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THE 


NAVAL MONUMENT, 

CONTAINING OFFICIAL AND OTHER ACCOUNTS 


OF ALL THE BATTLES FOUGHT BETWEEN 


THE NAVIES OF THE 

UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN 

DURING THE LATE WAR; 

AND AN 

ACCOUNT OF THE WAR WITH ALGIERS. 


WITH 

TWENTY-FIVE ENGRAVINGS. 


TO WHICH IS ANNEXED 

A NAVAL REGISTER OF THE UNITED STATES, 

REVISED AND CORRECTED, 


AND BROUGHT DOWN TO THE YEAR 1836. 

©w tty* A bat 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY GEORGE CLARK. 

1836. 



District of Massachusetts, to wit: 

District Clerk's office. 

Be it remembered, that on the 32th day of March, A. D. 1816, and 
in the 40th year of the independence of the United States of Ameri¬ 
ca, ABEL BOWEN, of the said district, has deposited in this Office 
the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the 
words following, to ivit: 

“ The Naval Monument , containing Official and other accounts of all 
the battles Jought between the Navies of the United States and Great 
Britain , during the late war ; and an account of the war with Algiers , 
with twenty-five Engravings. To which is annexed a Naval Register 
of the United States." 

In conformity to an act of the Congress of the United States, enti¬ 
tled “ An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and proprietors of 
such copies during the times therein mentioned; and also to an act 
entitled “ An Act supplementary to An Act, entitled an act for the en¬ 
couragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps Charts and 
Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times 
therein mentioned; and extending the benefits thereof to the Arts of 
Designing , Engraving ,* and Etching Historical and other Prints.” 

JNO. W. DA\ IS, Clerk of the district of Massachusetts. 

*The Designs and Engravings in this volume were entered as the law 
directs, Nov. 25, and Dec. 28,1.815, by A • Bowen. 




THE OFFICERS 

OF 

THE UNITED STATES NAVY, 

WHO BY THEIR 

BRAVERY AND SKILL 

IIAYE EXALTED THE AMERICAN CHARACTER, 








SECURED 


THE APPLAUSE OF THEIR COUNTRY, 


AND EXCITED THE 


ADMIRATION OF THE WORLD: 

THIS VOLUME 


IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

BY THEIR 


MOST OB’T AND HUMBLE SERV’T, 

A. BOWEN. 





* 











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PREFACE. 


That a country, but of yesterday among the nations, should 
already have acquired naval renown, and made the trident trem¬ 
ble in hands that had wielded it for ages, is now not least among 
the phenomena in the archives of history. Burke was astonished 
at the growth which, in his time, had happened to this country 
within the short period of the life of man. “ Whatever England 
has been growing to by a progressive increase of improvement, 
brought in by varieties of people, by successions of civilizing con¬ 
quests and civilizing settlements in a series of seventeen hundred 
years, you shall see as much added to her by America in course 
of a single life.” Thus he supposes the genius of Lord Bathurst 
to have addressed* that nobleman in his youth, foretelling only 
what, at the moment of uttering this fine imagination, had become 
fact ; and yet to have left his Lordship altogether incredulous and 
in wonder. But what has not been the progress of this country 
since Burke’s day, and still all within the compass of a single life ? 
America was then under the bonds of colonial subjection. Imag¬ 
ine, at the time he spoke, some sage equally illustrious, had thus 
addressed the monarch of England. “ Sire, these bonds she shall 
soon burst. You will struggle to impose others, and to force her 
sons to your service. They will resist, with a spirit so desperate, 
and an enterprise so hardy, as shall, * before you taste of death,’ 
make your ships not safe at home, even within your immediate 
waters. Your navy, the favorite of your kingdom, that you have 
been centuries creating, shall strike once and again, in single 
ships and in squadron, on the ocean and the lakes, in the old 
world and the new ; to a navy, the outcast of its country, and the 
work of an hour. It will indeed be simply an upstart from its 
cradle, but you will find it a Hercules there.” Had the sovereign 
then been thus prophetically “rapt into times” but little “ future,” 
rather than live to behold them, would he not gladly have resigned, 
at once his crown and life ? 

* The beginning of this address vve supply for the gratification of 
what we consider laudable, a proper national pride. “Young man, 
there is America—which at this day serves for little more than to 
amuse you with stories of savage men, and uncouth manners; yet shall 
before you taste of death, shew itsdf equal to the whole of that com¬ 
merce , which now attracts the envy of the world .” 


VI 


PREFACE. 


Naval history has a charm on the attention of the ardent, from 
being peculiarly the record of enthusiasm. Every naval man of 
spirit is an enthusiast. We read of “ the self devoted Decii.” 
Among naval men self devotion is so common, that an act, evin¬ 
cing this virtue merely, is passed almost without notice. It is 
looked upon as but duty, and therefore no object for praise. They 
devote themselves to their country and to their commander, with 
whom in their minds, indeed, the country is often identified. This 
spirit pervades not merely officers, but the men. Instances from 
British history are familiar; and the one from our own, of 
the sailor who interposed himself between the uplifted scymitar 
and Decatur, in the first Tripolitan war, and received the blow in 
its fall, of which he still lingers the living monument, is, we trust, 
indelibly riveted in the memory of a grateful country, who proba¬ 
bly owe to this one act of heroism all the benefit of the subsequent 
signal services of this gallant captain. Here is disinterestedness 
that was perfectly pure, unadulterated even by the love of fame. 
What cared this mariner for fame ? His name scarcely is known ; 
and how soon it is every where forgotten, he heeds not. Nay, 
when all was over, had he not borne upon his body the marks of 
an act, which subjected him to the leasing of questions as to its 
cause, home this sailor had probably gone, and, like Samson of 
old, “ told neither father nor mother of it.” This utter extinction 
of selfishness, is it not sublime ? The fear of death, according to 
Johnson, “ natural to all,” is, in this class of men, not merely com¬ 
pletely overcome. Death is courted by them as glory, or sought 
from friendship. Is it owing to the progress of Christianity grad¬ 
ually and insensibly improving and elevating the mass of mankind, 
that the virtues of our ordinary seamen have become thus exalted? 
What a reform have men’s ideas not undergone in the lapse of a 
few years? Chivalry of character has shifted its element. The 
world now looks for “ men of honor,” and for “ cavaliers,” not 
where it looked formerly. To the ocean, which was of late in¬ 
separably associated with every thing boisterous and rough; the 
traversers of which were thought to participate only in the nature 
of the storms that occasionally desolate its surface; to this ocean 
are the eyes of mankind now universally directed for all that is 
valorous and gallant in war, and for much of the virtue, thought 
peculiar to peace. The habiliments of the knight are changed ; 
and the plainness, that most ennobles, has got to be (such are the 
caprices of fashion) the common, every day dress of the mariner. 

The dawn of the American navy was ominous of a glorious day. 
Not to mention the other exertions at sea in the war of the revo¬ 
lution,* which were all respectable, and, but for an eclipse from 

*To show the notice Barnet then gained, and the favor shown by 
fair royalty to the American cause, we add as a curosity, what we do 
not vouch for as fact. “ A correspondent of the morning Chronicle, 
who signed “Jean Francis,” affirms, that the musical bagatelle, 
called ‘ Barney leave the girls alone? owes its origin to the kiss publicly 


PREFACE. 


VII 


greater brightness, would have remained brilliant; the exploits of 
Paul Jones alone excited an eclat that ensured the whole extent 
of success, which has to this day followed. Truxton and the 
Constellation flashed next on the public eye. The scene of naval 
operations soon shifted to Tripoli. Here Preble was the father of 
a spirit that now reflects its radiance alike on his memory and 
country. The warfare was most active. It evinced enterprize 
the most ardent, and boldness the most daring. In these seas, 
nearly all the mariners, who have since been eminently distin¬ 
guished, received their first rudiments of discipline and lessons of 
danger. The city thrice bombarded ; the only frigate the Turks 
took, and that from her accidentally grounding, fired at the very 
mouths of their loaded batteries ; the infidels chastised into peace ; 
self devotion animating our whole fleet as one band ; in the back 
ground of the picture, Somers, Israel, Wadsworth, kindling their 
own funeral pyre, and mounting in a blaze to the mansions of 
light; these were among the objects which then attracted the at¬ 
tention of the world, and forced its admiration. 

We have just passed the close of a three years’ war. The cau¬ 
ses of that war out of the question, the interrogatory is put to the 
politician, to him who realizes that in the family of nations, no one 
member has respect from another, but for its power; to him the 
point is pressed home; is not the effect of this war, in the impres¬ 
sion produced the world over from the lustre of our arms, cheaply 
bought by all the blood and the treasure that the conflict has cost? 
Is not our flag now looked up to, as an object of triumph, under 
every heaven ? Is not our navy covered with renown ? 

A good mind is ever grateful for peace. Justice to the merits 
that have achieved it, is to such a mind among the first of its du¬ 
ties, Has this renown then been justly acquired ? 

What are the constituents of naval excellence? Bravery, disci¬ 
pline, military and nautical skill. In each of these respects what 
are the positive merits, and what the comparative, of the Ameri¬ 
can navy. 

It is not intended to pursue the answer through details of any 
great minuteness. It will be rested on the authority principally 
of this single volume, the references to which will, for the most 
part, be general. 

bestowed on this American officer by the beautiful Maria Antoinette, 
and was composed by Count O’L. of the Irish brigade, who was pres¬ 
ent at court when the royal familiarity took place ; and he stated, 
that the maids of honor were all so eager to follow the gracious exam¬ 
ple set by the lovely queen, that Mr. Barney became an object of en¬ 
vy and dislike to the entire beau monde. The American papers speak 
favorably of his conduct on the surprise of Washington, and affirm, that 
of the seamen he commanded, one half were killed and wounded ; he 
was himself badly wounded and taken prisoner.” 

Brit. JYav. Chron. 1814. 



VIII 


PREFACE. 


Bravery may be shewn either in enterprize or in actual engage¬ 
ment; as well in the pursuit, as the improvement, of opportunity ; 
in defeat, not less, than in victory. 

Bravery of enterprize certainly belongs in common to all of our 
captams, the oldest at their head, who bearded the lion in his den. 
They have even been blamed for excess in this particular, and the 
right of challenge has been absurdly questioned, as if in a strife of 
mere glory, and to settle the point as to power, it was not highly 
commendable to seek the opportunity indispensable for the pur¬ 
pose, but which yet happened not to fall in one’s way. The chal¬ 
lenge given by the Hornet, and that taken (for sailing across the 
harbor, was clearly in substance a challenge) by the luckless Ches - 
peake, under circumstances of obvious disadvantage, before the 
sailors could have lost the effect of land habits, or have regained 
their sea legs, are among the countless proofs of an aspiring spirit, 
steadily intent on one object, namely, never at least to be con¬ 
demned as failing from not having dared to attempt. 

Where is the instance in which Americans have not evinced 
bravery in battle ? The fatal engagement of the Chesapeake , even 
after the boarding, is not, in fairness an exception. Not an officer 
was now left upon deck. Who are the men, in any navy, that 
will continue valiant, deprived of the countenance and support of 
every officer? Of the fights between single vessels, that of the 
Wasp and the Frolic is perhaps far the most distinguished for per¬ 
sonal intrepidity. But we had battles in squadron. Who ever 
showed more courage than Perry, passing in open boat from ship 
to ship, within full view and point blank shot of a multiplied foe, 
each of whose ships was intent on taking his single life, as the 
object to make victory sure; or than this same commander, break¬ 
ing the enemy’s line, thus doubling his own force, exposing him¬ 
self of course to shots from each side, to double broadsides at 
once, and at half pistol shot distance ? Who ever evinced greater 
constancy than Macdonough, awaiting at anchor the approach of 
an enemy in unknown numbers, by land and water, two states, if 
not the whole country, in suspense for safety on the issue , or who 
more glorious collcctedness than this same commander in like dan¬ 
ger with Paul Jones, his own vessel twice on fire ? What perse¬ 
verance was ever more indefatigable than Chauncey’s, in pursuit ? 
Unless indeed that of his adversary, in patience. 




ADVERTISEMENT. 


In making this selection the editor has endeavoured to obtain the 
most correct and authentic accounts. He cannot however promise 
himself, that every part of it is perfectly accurate ; but he believes 
that no material error has escaped him. The difficulties of observing 
exact chronological order in a work like this need not be mentioned, 
as they will readily occur to the reader. Perhaps some instances of 
skill and valor have been overlooked, and others given top much at 
length. The official accounts of the battles represented in the plates 
arc given entire. In many other instances, official letters are curtail¬ 
ed. To have printed them at large would have increased the work 
beyond the limits prescribed. This is offered as an apology for omit¬ 
ting what otherwise would gladly have been inserted. Many of the 
periodical publications of the last four years have been examined, but 
the compiler is particularly, and almost extdusively indebted to the 
able and indefatigable Mr. JViles , publisher of the Baltimore Weekly 
Register, a paper in which may be found a full and interesting naval 
and military history of the late wars against Great Britain and Al¬ 
giers. The pages of this work might have been enriched with ex¬ 
tracts from the Anulectic Magazine and Naval Chronicle; but this is 
rendered unnecessary by the extensive circulation of that eloquent 
and excellent work. Whoever wishes to be instructed or delighted 
on the subject of the American navy, may have his curiosity fully 
gratified by a perusal of those publications. 

The editor cannot but indulge the hope, that he has fulfilled the 
engagements made in the prospectus, and equalled the expectations 
of subscribers. Should he meet the approbation of the public, he in¬ 
tends to publish a military history of the war, on a similar plan, en¬ 
titled the Military Chronicle. 

Most of the engravings which accompany this volume, are from the 
designs of Mr. Come. The frontispiece was designed by Mr. Pen- 
niman. The plate which exhibits the return of the squadron from the 
Mediterranean, is from a design of Mr Fanning, and was taken from 
actual survey on board the Independence. 

For the preface the editor is indebted to the kindness of a literary 
gentleman, who has furnished to our periodical publications, many in¬ 
teresting articles on the subject of the navy. A. B. 


INDEX TO THE ENGRAVINGS. 


Frontispiece, facing the title - 
Constitution's escape from a British squadron 
Constitution bearing down for the Guerriere 
Constitution in close action with the Guerriere 
Wasp boarding the Frolic ------ 

United States and Macedonian - 

The Java surrendering to the Constitution 

Hornet blockading the Bonne Citoyenne - 

Hornet sinking the Peacock ------ 

Chesapeake and Shannon ----- 

Enterprize and Boxer ------ 

First view of Com. Perry’s victory - 
Second view of Com. Perry’s victory - 

^Capture of the Essex -. 

Peacock and Epervier ------ 

Wasp and Reindeer ------- 

Wasp and Avon - - 

Com. Macdonough’s victory - 
President engaging the Endymion - 
Constitution taking the Cyane and Levant 
Hornet and Penguin - - 

Hornet’s escape from a British 74 

United States squadron returning from the Mediterranean, 
2 2b «fter concluding peace with Algiers - 


Page 

1 

10 

12 

16 

23 

28 

37 

38 
44 
77 

85 

86 
106 
128 
134 
140 
145 

• 158 
174 
186 
192 

279 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The exploits of the American Navy in the late war 
between the United States and Great Britain, com¬ 
menced with the escape of the Frigate Constitution 
from an English squadron. 

On July 12th, the Constitution, completely equipped 
and well manned, left the Chesapeake, bound to New 
York. On the 16th, saw a frigate and gave chase, 
with winds too light to reach her. On the 17th dis¬ 
covered the British squadron, consisting of the Africa 
64, and Guerriere , Shannon , Belvidera and JEolus, 
frigates, a brig and a schooner. The Belvidera with¬ 
in gun-shot. The 17th was calm and spent in towing, 
manoeuvering and firing. On the morning of the 18th 
a light breeze sprung up, when the Constitution spread 
all her canvas, and by outsailing the enemy, escaped a 
conflict, which she could not have maintained with any 
hope of success, against a force so greatly superior. 
The chase was continued sixty hours, during which the 
whole crew remained at their stations. 

A gentleman, belonging to an American captured 
vessel, who was on board the Shannon , during the 
above period, informs us, that all the officers of the 
British squadron applauded the conduct of Capt. Hull; 
and though mortified at losing so fine a ship, gave him 
much credit for his skill and prudence in managing 
the frigate. 

A more particular account is detailed in the follow¬ 
ing extract from the Constitution's log book. 

EXTRACTS FROM LOG BOOK. 

Friday , July 17, 1812. 

Commences with clear weather and fresh breezes 
from the northward and eastward. At \ past 1, 
P. M., sounded in 22 fin’s, water. At 2, four sail of 
vessels in sight. At 3, sounded in 18 \ fm’s. At f 


4 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


past 3, tacked to the east. At 4, a ship in sight, 
bearing N. E. standing down for us, and three ships 
and a brig N. N. W. on the starboard tack. From 
4 to 6, light airs from the northward. At 6, the single 
ship bearing E. N. E. At l past 6, got a light 
breeze from the southward and eastward, wore ship and 
and stood towards the above sail, keeping her a little 
off the larboard bow. At £ past 7, beat to quar¬ 
ters and cleared ships for action. At 8, light airs ;— 
coming up with the ships very slow. At £ past 10, 
made the private signals of the day. At i past 11, 
hauled down the signals, not having been answered, 
and made sail by the wind, with starboard tacks on 
board. From 12 to 4 A. M. light airs from the south¬ 
ward and westward and cloudy. At 4 A. M. the ship 
made a signal. At day-light, discovered three sail 
astern. At 5, discovered another sail astern, making 
two frigates off our lee-quarter, and two frigates and 
one ship of the line, one brig, and one schooner, astern. 
At i past 5, it being calm and the ship having no 
steering way, hoisted out the first cutter and got the 
boats ahead to tow ship’s head round to the southward, 
got a 24 pounder up off the gun-deck for a stern-gun, 
and the forecastle gun aft—cut away the tafiarel to give 
them room, and run two guns out of the cabin windows. 
At 6, got the ship’s head round to the southward and 
set top-gallant studding-sails and stay-sails, one of the 
frigates firing at us. At % past 6, sounded in 26 fm’s. 
water. At 7, got a kedge and warped the ship ahead. 
At i past 7, hoisted the colours and fired one gun 
at the ship astern. At 8, calm ;—employed warping 
and towing the ship. The other ships having a light 
air gaining on us, with their boats ahead, and one of 
them using sweeps. At 9, the above ship in close chase 
of us, and the nearest frigate gaining on us. At 9 
minutes past 9, a light breeze sprung from the south¬ 
ward ; braced up by the wind on the larboard tack, 
when the above frigate commenced firing, but her shot 
did not reach us ; got the boats along side, run two of 
them up. At 10, started 2335 gallons of water and 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


5 


pumped it out almost calm—manned the first cutter 
to tow ship ;—six sail of the enemy’s ships off the star¬ 
board beam and quarter; perceived that the nearest 
frigate had got all the boats from the other ships to tow 
her towards us. From 10, A. M. to meridian, employ¬ 
ed warping and towing. All sail made by the wind, 
one of the ships coming up, apparently having all the 
boats from the other ships. 

Saturday , July 18 

Light airs from the southward and eastward, at¬ 
tended with calms. At £ after meridian, sent the 
first cutter and green cutter ahead to tow ship. At { 
before 1, P. M. a strange sail discovered two points 
abaft off the lee-beam, the four frigates one point off 
the starboard-quarter. Line-of-battle ship, brig and 
schooner, off the lee-beam. At 7 minutes before 2, 
the chasing frigates commenced firing their bow chase 
guns, we returned them with our stern chasers. At 
£ past 3, still chased by the above ships, one of them 
being nearly within gun-shot. At 7, observed the 
enemy’s ships towing with their boats. Lowered down 
the first cutter, green cutter and gig, and sent them 
ahead to tow ship;—light airs, inclinable to calms. At 
8, light airs from the southward and eastward. The 
first and fifth cutters and gig ahead towing ship. The 
enemy’s ships in the same position as at 7. From 8 
to 9, light airs and cloudy. The enemy’s ships still in 
chase of us ; boats ahead towing ship. At 7 minutes 
before 11, a breeze springing up from the southward; 
boats came along side, hoisted up the gig and green 
cutter, and set the fore-top-mast staysail and main-top¬ 
gallant studding sail. At midnight moderate breezes 
and cloudy, the enemy’s ships still in chase. At 2, 
A. M. discovered one of the ships off the lee-beem. At 
£ past 2, took in the studding sails, at daylight four 
frigates in sight, three off the lee-quarter and one off 1 
the lee-beam, from two to three miles distant. At 4, 
six sail in sight from off the deck, hauled down the fore¬ 
top-mast staysailvery light breezes. At 20 minutes 


6 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


past 4, tacked ship to the eastward. At 5, passed about 
gunshot distance to windward of one ot the frigates , 
hoisted in the first cutter ;—ten sail in sight from the 
mast-head. At 9, saw a ship to windvvard, supposed 
to be an American merchantman, standing towards us. 
The frigate astern hoisted American colours as a de¬ 
coy ; we immediately hoisted English colours, got roy¬ 
al studding sails fitted. At 11, A. M. took in sky-sails. 
At meridian, moderate breezes and pleasant weather, 
rather leaving the frigates in chase ; the head-most 
frigate to lee-ward, bearing nearly N. by W. four or 
five miles distant, the nearest frigate W. N. W. di¬ 
rectly in our wake, distant about three and half miles. 
The line-of-battle ship, N. by W. £ W. on the lar¬ 
board tack, hull down. Two frigates oft" our lee- 
quarter, N. N. W. £ W. and N. W. by N. about 
five miles distant, and a brig bearing about N. by W. 
Observed, latitude 38° 47' N. which, with the sound¬ 
ings got at £ past 10, A. M. and allowing for the 
distance since run, gives our long, about 73° 53' W. 
from which we date our departure. 

July 19. 

Fresh breezes from the southward and pleasant. At 
1 P. M. hauled down the royal staysails and set the 
middle staysail. At 2, got shifting backstays on the 
top-gallant mast, and set them well up, took in the 
gaft-topsail and mizen-top-gallant staysail. At i 
past 2, set the mizen-top-gallant and main royal stay¬ 
sails and main skysail. At 4, a moderate breeze from 
the S. S. W. and cloudy ; four sail of the enemy still 
in chase, the nearest about six miles off, bearing N. N. 
W. and one off the weather quarter, W. by N. £ N. 
At £ past 7, the leewardmost ship N. N. W. £ W. 
and the weathermost ship, N. W. by J W.—the oth¬ 
er two more astern, and hull down. At £ past 9, 
the wind hauled round to the southward and west¬ 
ward. At £ 10 P. M. the wind backed round again. 
At 11, could just discover the weather-bow ship to 
have got in our wake. At midnight, moderate breezes 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


7 


and pleasant. From midnight to 4 A. M. moderate 
breezes. At 1-2 past 4, hauled up to S. E. by S. four 
sail m sight astern, all of them hull down. At 1-2 past 
6, more moderate ;—employed wetting the sails aloft. 
At 8, four ships still in sight chasing us. At 1-2 8 A. 
M. all the ships in chase stood to the northward and 
eastward. 

CAPT. hull’s OFFICIAL LETTER. 

Constitution at sea , off Nantucket, 

® IR > July 20, 1812. 

The Constitution is on her way to Boston for your 
orders, having been chased by a British squadron off 
New-York, and very near being taken. The chase 
continued three days and nights, by a line-of-battle 
ship, four frigates, a brig and a schooner. 

I shall call off Boston and write from there, and 
continue crusing in the bay until I hear from you. 

Respectfully, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, ISAAC HULL. 

Sec’y of Navy. 

On Sunday, the 26th of July, the Constitution ar¬ 
rived in Boston harbour. On Tuesday the 28th, 
Capt. Hull came up to town. On his landing and 
reaching State Street, he was received by his fellow 
citizens with repeated huzzas. 

[ The following card was inserted, at the request 

of Capt Hull, in the Exchange Coffee-House 

Books.] 

“ Capt. Hull, finding his friends in Boston are 
correctly informed of his situation when chased by 
the British squadron off New-York, and that they are 
good enough to give him more credit by escaping 
them than he ought to claim, takes this opportunity of 
requesting them to make a transfer of a great part of 
their good wishes to Lt. Morris, and the other brave 
officers, and the crew under his command, for their 
very great exertions and prompt attention to orders 
while the enemy were in chase. Capt. Hull has 


8 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


great pleasure in saying, that notwithstanding the 
length of the chase, and the officers and crew being 
deprived of sleep, and allowed but little refreshment 
during the time, not a murmur was heard to escape 
them. 

Interesting 'particulars . 

Capt. Hull, in the management of his ship, during 
her chase by the squadron under Com. Broke, dis¬ 
played the most skilful and accomplished seamanship. 

At a time when the wind was very light, the sails 
of the Shannon were all furled, and the boats of the 
squadron were all put to tow her directly to windward 
toward the Constitution; at the same time Capt. 
Hull was kedging his ship forward faster than the 
enemy was able to advance by towing ; he had gained 
a considerable distance, before the enemy, who were 
constantly observing him with their glasses, perceived 
the manner in which he was leaving. They then 
kedged in their turn, but not with the same rapidity, 
owing probably in some measure to the precaution 
observed by Capt. Hull, when his boats came home, 
instead of making them fast to the ship, of hoisting 
them up at the davids. This manoeuvre of kedging 
a ship at sea, in 25 or 30 fm’s. water, was an ingen¬ 
ious and novel experiment; it was first suggested, it 
is understood, by Lieut, [now Com.] C. Morris. 

When the squall struck the Constitution , by which 
she ultimately escaped, Capt. H. availed himself of 
another stratagem to gain time. He was to windward 
—the squall was powerful, and pressed her huge side 
low in the water ; he immediately let every thing go 
by the run, apparently in the utmost confusion, as if 
unable to show a yard of canvass—his sails were haul¬ 
ed up by the brails and clewlines ; the enemy, per¬ 
ceiving this, hastened to get every thing snug, before 
the gust should reach them :—but, no sooner had they 
got their sails furled, than Capt. Hull had his courses 
and topsails set, and the Constitution darted forward 
with great rapidity. So coolly however did he pro- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


9 


ceed, that he would not suffer one of his boats to be 
cut adrift, but, though pressed by a pursuing enemy, 
attended personally to hoisting in his launch and other 
boats, while the ship was going nine or ten knots 
through the water. This is a fact which will appear 
astonishing to a sailor; and he seemed to be the only 
person in the ship who conceived it feasible :—the 
British squadron cut adrift all their boats, and, after 
they abandoned the chase, spent two or three whole 
days in cruising to pick them up. 

CAPTURE OF THE NAUTILUS. 

Soon after the escape of the Constitution, the U. S. 
brig Nautilus, 12 guns, Lt. Crane, was captured by 
the above British squadron. The following letter is 
honorary to Lt. Crane: 

The Sec. of the navy to Lt. Crane , late of the Nautilus. 
Sir, Navy department , 7 Oct. 1812. 

The following is the opinion of the court of inquiry, 
convened agreeably to your request, for the loss of the 
U. S. brig Nautilus. 

The court were unanimously and decidedly of opin¬ 
ion, that in the capture of the late U. S. brig Nautilus , 
Lieut. Crane, her late commander, and His officers, are 
entirely free from the least blame, or censure, and do 
consider Lt. Crane did every thing to prevent said 
capture, that a skilful and experienced officer could 
possibly do. 

This opinion of the court, Sir, only confirms the 
impression confidently entertained with respect to your 
conduct on the occasion, to which it refers. 

I have the honour to be respectfully, 

Sir, your ob’t serv’t, 

WilliamM. Crane,E sq. PAUL HAMILTON 

of the navy , Boston. 

CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 

U. S. Frigate Constitution , off Boston Light , 
Sir, August 30, 1812. 

I have the honor to inform you that on the 19th 




















































































If 



* 






.. 










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♦ li JT IN. 







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' *« 























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NAVAL MONUMENT. 


11 


had been totally dismasted, and otherwise cut to pieces 
so as to make her not worth towing into port, in the 
short space of thirty minutes, you can have no doubt 
of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and 
ship's company I have the honor to command; it only 
remains therefore for me to assure you, that they all 
fought with great bravery ; and it gives me great 
pleasure to say, that from the smallest boy in the ship 
to the oldest seaman, not a look of fear was seen. 
They all went into action, giving three cheers, and 
requested to be laid close along side the enemy. 

Enclosed I have the honor to send you a list of kil¬ 
led and wounded on board the Constitution , and a re¬ 
port of the damages she has sustained ; also a list of 
killed and wounded on board the enemy, with his quar¬ 
ter bill, &c. 

I have the honor to be, with very great respect, 

Sir, your ob’t servt, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, &c. ISAAC HULL. 

Return of killed and wounded on board the U. S. 

Frigate Constitution , Isaac Hull Esq. Captain , in 

the action with H. M. ship Guerriere , Jas. R. I)a- 

cres, Esq. Captain , on the 20th day of Aug. 1812. 

Killed —Wm. S. Bush,* 1st Lt. marines; Jacob 
Sago, seaman ; Robert Brice, do ; John Brown, do ; 
James Read, do.; Caleb Smith, do.; James Ashford, 
do. 

Wounded —Chas. Morris, 1st Lt. dangerously; 
John C. Alwyn, master, slightly ; Richard Dunn, 
seaman, dangerously ; Geo. Reynolds, ord. seaman, 
dangerously; Daniel Lewis, do. dangerously; Owen 
Taylor, do. dangerously; Francis Mullen, marine, 
slightly. 

Recapitulation. 

Killed —One Lt. of marines and six seamen.— 
Total killed 7. _ 

* Lieut. William S. Bush, was a native of Wilmington (Delaware.) His father, 
Capt. John Bush was a meritorious officer in the revolutionary war, and he was 
the nephew of the brave Major Lewis Bush, who fell supporting the cause of his 
country at the battle of Brandywine. 



] 2 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Wounded—T wo officers, four seamen and one ma¬ 
rine. Total wounded 7. 

Total killed and wounded, 14. 

ISAAC HULL, Capt. 

U. S. Frigate Constitution , T. J. CHEW, Purser. 
Jug. 21, 1812. 

List of killed and wounded on board the Guerriere. 

Killed—H. Ready, 2d Lt. and fourteen petty of¬ 
ficers, seamen and marines. 

Wounded—James R. Dacres, Capt. ; Bart. Kent, 
Lt. ; Robert Scott, master ; Samuel Grant, master's 
mate ; James Enslie, midshipman, and fifty seven pet¬ 
ty officers, seamen and marines. 

Missing—L t. James Pullman, Mr. Gaston, and 
twenty two seamen and marines. 

The following particulars of the action, are com¬ 
municated by an officer of the Constitution , and may 
be considered as essentially correct. 

Lat. 41® 42' N. Ion. 55° 33' W. Thursday, Aug. 
20, fresh breeze from N. W. and cloudy; at 2 P. M. 
discovered a vessel to the southward, made all sail in 
in chase; at 3, perceived the chase to be a ship on the 
starboard tack, close hauled to the wind; hauled S. S. 
W.; at £ past 3 made out the chase to be a frig¬ 
ate ; at 4, coming up with the chase very fast; at £ be¬ 
fore 5, the chase laid her main-top-sail to the mast; 
took in our top-gallant-sails, stay-sails and flying-gib; 
took a second reef in the top-sails, hauled the courses 
up, sent the royal yards down, and got all clear for ac¬ 
tion ; beat to quarters, on which the crew gave three 
cheers ; at 5 the chase hoisted three English ensigns, 
at 5 minutes past 5 the enemy commenced firing ; at 
20 minutes past 5, set our colours, one at each mast¬ 
head, and one at the mizen-peak, and began firing on 
the enemy, and continued to fire occasionally, he wear¬ 
ing very often, and we manoeuvering to close with him, 
and avoid being raked ; at 6 set the main-top-gallant 
sail, the enemy having bore up; at 5 minutes past six, 





























































































































































































































*■$ 
































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


IS 


brought the enemy to close action, standing before the 
wind ; at 15 minutes past 6, the enemy’s mizen-mast 
fell over on the starboard side ; at 20 minutes past 6, 
finding we were drawing ahead of the enemy, luffed 
short round his bows, to rake him ; at 25 minutes past 
6, the enemy fell on board of us, his bow-sprit foul of 
our mizen rigging. We prepared to board, but im¬ 
mediately after, his fore and main mast went by the 
board, and it was deemed unnecessary. Our cabin 
had taken fire from his guns ; but soon extinguished, 
without material injury ; at 30 minutes past 6, shot 
ahead of the enemy, when the firing ceased on both 
sides ; he making the signal of submission by firing a 
gun to leeward ; set fore-sail and main-sail, and haul¬ 
ed to the eastward to repair damages ; all our braces 
and much of our standing and running rigging and 
some of our spars being shot away. At 7 wore ship, 
and stood under the lee of the prize-—sent our boat on 
board, which returned at 8, with Capt. Bacres, late 
of his Majesty’s ship Guerriere , mounting 49 car¬ 
riage guns, and manned with 30 2 men; got our boats 
out and kept them employed in removing the prisoners 
and baggage from the prize to our own ship. Sent a 
surgeon’s mate to assist in attending the wounded; 
wearing ship occasionally to keep in the best position 
to receive the boats. At 20 minutes before 2 A. M. 
discovered a sail off the larboard beam, standing to 
the south ; saw all clear for another action : at 3 the 
sail stood off again ; at day light was hailed by the 
Lieut, on board the prize, who informed he had four 
feet of water in the hold, and that she was in a sink¬ 
ing condition ; all hands employed in removing the 
prisoners, and repairing our own damage through the 
remainder of the day. Friday the 21st, commenced 
with light breezes from the northward, and pleasant; 
our boats and crew still employed as before. At 3 P. 
M. made the signal of recal for our boats, having 
received all the prisoners. They immediately left 
her on fire, and J past 3 she blew up. Our loss in 
the action was 7 killed and 7 wounded ; among the 


14 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


former. Lieut. Bush, of marines, and among the lat¬ 
ter, Lieut. Morris, severely ; and Mr. All win, the 
master slightly. On the part of the enemy, 15 men 
killed, and 64 wounded. Among the former, Lieut. 
Ready, 2d of the ship ; among the latter, Capt. Da- 
cres, Lieut. Kent, 1st, Mr. Scott, master, and 
master’s mate. 

During her short cruise, the Constitution , beside 
the above gallant achievement, has destroyed two En¬ 
glish brigs ; one with lumber, the other in ballast, and 
recaptured the Adeline of Bath, from London, with 
dry goods, which had been taken by the British sloop 
Avenger , Capt. Johnston, of 16 guns;—and which 
Capt. Hull manned and ordered for America. 

When the Guerriere first came in sight of the Con¬ 
stitution, she stood toward her as if with an intention 
of bringing her to immediate action, and the latter put 
herself under easy sail for her reception: but after ap¬ 
proaching sufficiently near, to observe her with accu¬ 
racy, she bore up, stood broad off from the wind, and 
seemed inclined to take French leave; Capt. Hull was 
compelled to crowd a press of sail upon his ship in or¬ 
der to overtake his antagonist, who when he got with¬ 
in gun-shot, commenced a cannonade; not a gun was 
returned from the Constitution, whose men were cool¬ 
ly turned up to reef topsails, send down top-gallant 
yards and swing the lower yards with c hain s ; this bu¬ 
siness being effected with deliberation and precision 
under a galhng fire from the enemy, and without her¬ 
self returning a single shot, the Constitution was ran¬ 
ged along side of the enemy, and her fire opened with 
such terrible effect, that in 25 minutes the Guerriere 
was demolished! 

When the Guerriere 9 s mizen mast was shot awav, # 
Capt. H. in the enthusiams of the moment, swung his 
hat round his head, and in true sailor’s phraze, ex¬ 
claimed, ‘'Huzza ! my boys! we have made a brig of 
her! 19 

It is well known that when Lieut. Bush of the ma¬ 
rines received his mortal wound, the Guerriere 1 s bow- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


15 


sprit was engaged in the mizen rigging of the Consti¬ 
tution, and he was on the quarter for the purpose of 
boarding. Lieut. Morris was in the same situation, 
and received a musked ball through his body. Capt. 
Hull was about joining them for the same purpose, 
and when stepping upon the armchest, he was drawn 
back by a sailor, who begged he would not get up 
there unless he took off those swabs, pointing to his 
epaulets. At that moment the two ships were so near 
together, that one of our sailors, having discharged 
his boarding pistol, and missed his object, threw the 
pistol itself, and struck him in the breast. 

The flag being shot away from the Constitution's 
main-top-gallant mast head, John Hogan, a young sai¬ 
lor, ascended amid a shower of bullets and lashed it 
to the mast. This brave fellow enjoys a pension for 
his intrepidity. 

Lieutenant, (now Com.) Morris, has since been 
promoted to the command of the frigate Adams , of 
32 guns. He has ever been distinguished in the navy 
for his unremitted application in the acquirement of 
nautical information; for activity, intelligence, and 
zeal in the faithful discharge of his duty. His gallant 
conduct, while under Commodore Preble, in the Tri¬ 
politan war, gained him the confidence of his com¬ 
mander, the admiration of his companions in arms, and 
the applause of his countrymen. He was the first man 
who gained the deck of the frigate Philadelphia, on 
that ever memorable night, when under the batteries of 
the enemy, she was wrapt in flames by the Spartan 
band, under Lieut. Decatur ; for which brilliant ex¬ 
ploit the President most justly gave the latter a Cap¬ 
tain’s commission. When the Constitution made her 
escape from the British squadron off the Capes of the 
Chesapeake—to Lieut. Morris did the magnanimous 
Hull give much of the credit acquired in that master¬ 
ly retreat. Those who personally know the sterling 
worth and intrinsic merit of Capt. Morris, cannot but re¬ 
joice that his manly virtues and naval talents have now 
a more ample field of exertion in his country’s cause. 


16 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Capt. Hull, in a letter to the secretary of the navy, 
passed a handsome eulogium of Capt Morris, in the 
following passage: “ I cannot but make you acquain¬ 
ted with the very great assistance I received from that 
valuable officer, Lieut. Morris, in bringing the ship in¬ 
to action, and in working her whilst along side the en¬ 
emy ; and I am extremely sorry to state, that he is 
badly wounded, being shot through the body. We 
have yet hopes of his recovery, when, I am sure, he 
will receive the gratitude of his country for this and 
the many gallant acts he has done in the service.” 


WASP AND FROLIC. 

OFFICIAL LETTER OF CAPT. JONES. 

Copy of a letter from Capt. Jones , late of the United 
States' sloop of war , the Wasp , to the Secretary 
of the Navy. 

Sir, N. York, 24 Nov. 1812. 

i here avail myself of the first opportunity of in¬ 
forming you of the occurrences of our cruise, which 
terminated in the capture of the Wasp on the 18th of 
October, by the Poictiers of seventy four guns, while 
a wreck, from damages received in an engagement with 
the British sloop of war Frolic , of twenty two guns, 
sixteen of them 321b. carronades, and four twelve 
pounders on the main deck, and two twelve pounders, 
carronades, on the top-gallant forecastle, making her 
superior in force to us by four twelve pounders. The 
Frolic had struck to us, and was taken possession of 
about two hours before our surrendering to the Poic¬ 
tiers. 

We had left the Delaware on the 13th. The 15th 
had a heavy gale, in which we lost our jib-boom and 
two men. Half past eleven, on the night of the 17th, 
in latitude 37° north, and longitude 65° west, we saw 
several sail, two of them appearing very large; we 
stood from them some time, then shortened sail, and 
steered the remainder of the night the course we had 



THE WASP BOARDING THE FROLIC. 










































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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NAVAL MONUMENT. 


17 


perceived them on. At day-light on Sunday the 18th, 
we saw them ahead ; gave chase, and soon discovered 
them to be a convoy of six sail under the protection of 
a sloop of war : four of them large ships, mounting 
from sixteen to eighteen guns. At 32 minutes past 
eleven A. M. we engaged the sloop of war, having 
first received her fire, at the distance of fifty or sixty 
yards, which space we gradually lessened until we 
laid her on board, after a well supported fire of 43 
minutes ; and although so near while loading the last 
broadside that our rammers were shoved against the 
sides of the enemy, our men exhibited the same ala¬ 
crity which they had done during the whole of the ac¬ 
tion. They immediately surrendered upon our gain¬ 
ing their forecastle, so that no loss was sustained on 
either side after boarding. 

Our main-top mast was shot away between 4 and 5 
minutes from the commencement of the firing, and fall¬ 
ing together with the main topsail yard across the lar¬ 
board fore and fore topsail braces, rendered our head 
yards unmanageable the remainder of the action. At 
eight minutes the gaft and mizen top-gallant mast came 
down, and at 20 minutes from the beginning of the ac¬ 
tion, every brace and most of the rigging was shot away. 
A few minutes after separating from the Frolic ,both her 
masts fell upon deck ; the mainmast going close by the 
deck and the foremast twelve or fifteen feet above it. 

The courage and exertions of the officers and crew 
fully answered my expectations and wishes. Lieut. 
Biddle's active conduct contributed much to our suc¬ 
cess, by the exact attention paid to every department 
during the engagement, and the animating example he 
afforded the crew by his intrepidity. Lieuts. Rodg¬ 
ers, Booth, and Mr. Rapp, shewed, by the encessant fire 
from their division, that they were not to be surpassed 
in resolution or skill. Mr. Knight, and every other 
officer, acted with a courage and promptitude highly 
honorable, and I trust have given assurance that they 
may be relied on whenever their services may he re¬ 
quired. 


18 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


I could not ascertain the exact loss of the enemy, 
as many of the dead lay buried under the masts and 
spars that had fallen upon deck, which two hours’ ex¬ 
ertion had not sufficiently removed. Mr. Biddle, who 
had charge of the Frolic , states, that from what he 
saw, and from information from the officers, the num¬ 
ber of killed must have been about 30, and that of 
the wounded about 40 or 50. Of the killed is her 
first Lieut, and sailing master ; of the wounded, Capt. 
Whinyates, and the second Lieutenant. 

We had 6 killed and 5 wounded, as per list: the 
wounded are recovering. Lieut. Claxton, who was 
confined by sickness, left his bed a little previous to 
the engagement; and though too indisposed to be at his 
division, remained upon deck, and showed by his com¬ 
posed manner of noting its incidents, that we had lost 
by his illness the services of a brave officer. 

I am respectfully yours, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, JACOB JONES.* 
Sec’y of Navy. 

It is on the navy of the United States that our na¬ 
tional pride, and our hopes of glory repose. We have 
never been able to look without the highest satisfac¬ 
tion on that fearless profession, the nursery of gener¬ 
ous courage, and of high-minded patriotism—to whose 
followers every form of danger is alike- familiar and 
without terror. 

Nor toil, nor hazard, nor distressd, appear 
To sink the seamen with unmanly fear ; 

Who from the face of danger strive to turn, 

Indignant from the social hour they spurn ; 

No future ills, unknown, their souls appal, 

They know no danger , or they scorn it all. 

But we have no language to convey our admiration 
of the young and gallent spirits, who in the first essays 
of their strength, have triumphed over the veteran sci¬ 
ence, and the disciplined valor, of the habitual con¬ 
querors of the ocean. They have retrieved all our 

* Capt, Jones is a native of Kenibounty, state of Delaware. 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 


19 


disasters ; they have shed new lustre on our arms, and 
sustained, even in the midst of mortifying reverses, the 
loftiest tone of national enthusiasm. Their only anxie¬ 
ty has been to find the enemies of their country ; and, 
wherever they have met them, their valor has rendered 
victory certain, whilst their skill has made it easy. 

Devoted, as is this monument, to all that can add 
honor or distinction to the national character, it has 
no fairer pages than those which record instances of 
bravery like the following, the account of which we 
have rendered scrupulously minute and authentic. 

The United States’ sloop of war the Wasp , com¬ 
manded by Capt. Jacob Jones, was crusing in long. 65° 
W. and lat. 37° N. the track of vessels passing from 
Bermuda to Halifax, when, on Saturday, the 17th of 
October, about 11 o’clock, in a clear moon-light even¬ 
ing, she found herself near five strange sail, steering 
eastward. As some of them seemed to be ships of war, 
it was thought better to get farther from them. The 
Wasp therefore haled her wind, and having reached a 
few miles to windward, so as to escape or fight as the 
occasion might require, followed the strange sail 
through the night. At daybreak, on Sunday morning, 
Capt. Jones found that they were six large merchant 
ships, under convoy of a sloop of war which proved 
to be the Frolic , Capt. Whinyates, from Honduras to 
England, with a convoy, strongly armed and manned, 
having all forty or fifty men ; and two of them mount¬ 
ing sixteen guns each. He determined, however, to 
attack them, and as there was a heavy swell of the sea, 
and the weather boisterous, got down his top-gallant 
yards, close reefed the topsails, and prepared for ac¬ 
tion. About eleven o’clock the Frolic showed Span¬ 
ish colors; and the Wasp immediately displayed the 
American ensign and pendant. At thirty-two minutes 
past eleven, the Wasp came down to windward, on 
her larboard side, within about sixty yards, and hailed. 
The enemy hauled down the Spanish colors, hoisted 
the British ensign, and opened a fire of cannon and 
musketry. This the Wasp instantly returned; and, 


20 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


coming nearer to the enemy, the action became close, 
and without intermission. In four or five minutes the 
main topmast of the Wasp was shot away, and, falling 
down with the main topsail yard across the larboard, 
fore and fore topsail braces, rendered her head yards 
unmanageable during the rest of the action. In two 
or three minutes more her gaft and mizen top-gallant 
sail were shot away. Still she continued a close and 
constant fire. The sea was so rough that the muzzles 
of the Wasp’s guns were frequently in the water. 
The Americans, therefore, fired as the ship’s side was 
going down, so that their shot went either on the ene¬ 
my’s deck or below it, while the English fired as the 
vessel rose, and thus her balls chiefly touched the rig¬ 
ging, or w r ere thrown away. The Wasp now shot 
ahead of the Frolic, raked her, and then resumed her 
position on her larboard bow. Her fire was now ob¬ 
viously attended with such success, and that of the 
Frolic so slackened, that Capt. Jones did not wish to 
board her, lest the roughness of the sea might endan¬ 
ger both vessels ; but, in the course of a few minutes 
more, every brace of the Wasp was shot away, and 
her rigging so much torn to piece, that he was afraid 
that his masts, being unsupported, would go by the 
board, and the Frolic be able to escape. He thought, 
therefore, the best chance of securing her was to 
board, and decide the contest at once. With this 
view, he wore ship, and, running down upon the ene¬ 
my, the vessels struck each other, the Wasp’s side 
rubbing along the Frolic’s bow, so that her jib-boom 
came in between the main and mizen rigging of the 
Wasp, directly over the heads of Capt. Jones and the 
first Lieutenant, Mr. Biddle, who were at that moment 
standing together near the capstan. The Frolic lay so 
fair for raking, that they decided not to board until they 
had given a closing broadside. Whilst they were 
loading for this, so near were the two vessels, that the 
rammers of the Wasp were pushed against the Frolic’s 
sides, and two of her gfins went through the bow ports 
of the Frolic, and swept the whole length of her deck. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


21 


At this moment, Jack Lang, * a seaman of the Wasp, 
a gallant fellow, who had been once impressed by a 
British man of war, jumped on his gun with his cut¬ 
lass, and was springing on board the Frolic: Capt. 
Jones, wishing to fire again before boarding called him 
down ; but his impetuosity could not be restrained, and 
he was already on the bowsprit of the Frolic, when, 
seeing the ardour and enthusiasm of the Wasp’s crew, 
Lieut. Biddle mounted on the hammoc cloth to board. 
At this signal the crew followed; but Lieut. Biddle’s 
feet got entangled in the rigging of the enemy’s bow¬ 
sprit, and midshipman Baker, in his ardor to get on 
board, laying hold of his coat, he fell back on the V/ asp’s 
deck. He sprang up, and as the next swell of the sea 
brought the Frolic nearer, he got on her bowsprit, 
where Lang and another seaman were already. He 
passed them on the forecastle, and was surprised at 
seeing not a single man alive on the Frolic’s deck, ex¬ 
cept the seaman at the wheel and three officers. The 
deck was slippery with blood, and strewed with the 
bodies of the dead. As he went forward, the Captain 
of the Frolic, with two other officers, who were stand¬ 
ing on the quarter deck, threw down their swords, and 
made an inclination of their bodies, denoting that they 
had surrendered. At this moment the colors were still 
Hying, as, probably, none of the seamen of the Frolic 
would dare to go into the rigging for fear of the mus¬ 
ketry of the Wasp. Lieut. Biddle, therefore, jumped 
into the rigging himself, and hauled down the British 
ensign, and possession was taken of the Frolic in 43 
minutes after the first fire. She was in a shocking con¬ 
dition; the birth deck, particularly, was crowded with 
dead, and wounded, and dying ; there being but a small 
proportion of the Frolic’s crew who had escaped. Capt. 
Jones instantly sent on board his surgeon’s mate, and 
all the blankets of the Frolic were brought from the 
slop room for the comfort of the wounded. To increase 

*Jolm Lang was a native of New Brunswick, in New Jersey. We mention 
with great pleasure, the name of this brave American seaman, as a proof that con 
spicuous valor is confined to no rank in the naval service. 



22 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


this confusion, both the Frolic’s masts soon fell, cov¬ 
ering the dead and every thing on deck, and she lay a 
complete wreck. 

It now appears that the Frolic mounted sixteen 321b. 
carronades, four 12 pounders on the main deck, and 
two 121b. carronades. She was, therefore, superior to 
the Wasp, by exactly four twelve pounders. The num¬ 
ber of men on board, as stated by the officers of the 
Frolic, was one hundred and ten—the number of sea¬ 
men on hoard the Wasp, was one hundred and two ; 
but it could not be ascertained,whether in this one hun¬ 
dred and ten, were included marines and officers ; for 
the Wasp had, besides her one hundred and two men, 
officers and marines, making the whole crew about one 
hundred and thirty live.—What however, is decisive, 
as to their comparative force is, that the officers of the 
Frolic acknowledged that they had as many men as 
they knew what to do with, and, in fact, the Wasp 
could have spared fifteen men. There was, therefore, 
on the most favorable view, at least an equality of 
men, and an inequality of four guns. The disparity 
of loss was much greater. The exact number of kill¬ 
ed and wounded on board the Frolic could not be pre¬ 
cisely determined ; but from the observations of our 
officers, and the declarations of those of the Frol¬ 
ic, the number could not be less than about thirty 
killed, including two officers ; and of the wounded, 
between forty and fifty ; the Captain and second Lieut, 
being of the number. The Wasp had five men killed, 
and five slightly wound eel. 

AH hands were now employed in clearing the deck, 
burying the dead, and taking care of the wounded, 
when Captain Jones sent orders to Lieut. Biddle to 
proceed to Charlestown, or any southern port of the 
Lnitod States ; and , as: there was a suspicious sail to 
the ^ vindward, the, Wasp would continue her cruise. 
The ships then purled. The suspicious sail was now 
coir dug down very fast. At first it was supposed that 
she was one of the convoy, who had all fled during the 
cn/ ragement, and who now came for the purpose of at- 



































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% 



































■ 

























































































































































































































m 









































THE UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN. 







































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


23 


tacking the prize. The guns of the Frolic were, there¬ 
fore, loaded, and the ship cleared for action; but the 
enemy, as she advanced, proved to be a seventy-four, 
the Poictiers, Capt. Beresford. She fired a shot over 
the Frolic ; passed her ; overtook the Wasp, the disa¬ 
bled state of whose rigging prevented her from escaping; 
and then returned to the Frolic, who could of course, 
make no resistance. The Wasp and Frolic were car¬ 
ried into Bermuda. It is not the least praise due to 
Capt. Jones, that his account of this gallant action, is 
perfectly modest and unostentatious. On his own 
share in the capture, it is unnecessary to add any thing. 
“The courage and exertion of the officers and crew," 
he observes,“fully answered my expectations and wish¬ 
es. Lieut. Biddle’s active conduct contributed much 
to our success, by the exact attention paid to every 
department, during the engagement, and the animating 
example he afforded the crew by his intrepidity Lieut. 
Rodgers and Booth, and Mr. Rapp, showed by the 
incessant fire from their divisions, that they were not 
to be surpassed in resolution or skill. Mr. Knight and 
every other officer, acted with a courage and promti- 
tude highly honorable. Lieut. Claxton, who was 
confined by sickness, left his bed a little previous to 
the engagement; and, though too weak to be at his 
division, remained upon deck, and showed, by his com¬ 
posed manner of noting its incidents, that we had lost, 
by his illness, the services of a brave officer." 


UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN. 

Message of the President of the United States, com¬ 
municating to congress the official letters of Caji- 
tains Decatur and Jones. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States. 

I transmit to Congress a copy of a letter to the 
Secretary of the navy, from Capt. Decatur, of the 



24 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


frigate United States, reporting his combat and cap¬ 
ture of the British frigate Macedonian. 

Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer 
and his companions on board, for the consummate 
skill and conspicuous valour by which this trophy has 
been added to the naval arms of the United States. 

I transmit also a letter * from Capt Jones, who com¬ 
manded the sloop of war Wasp, reporting his capture 
of the British sloop of war, the Frolic, after a close 
action, in which other brilliant titles will be seen to 
the public admiration and praise. 

A nation feeling what it owes to itself, and its citi¬ 
zens, could never abandon to arbitrary violence on the 
ocean, a class of men, which gives such examples of 
capacity and courage, in defending their rights on that 
element ; examples, which ought to impress on the 
enemy, however brave and powerful, a preference of 
justice and peace to hostility against a country whose 
prosperous career may be accelerated, but cannot be 
prevented by the assaults made on it. 

JAMES MADISON. 

Washington , Bee. 11, 1812. 


COM. DECyYTUR’s OFFICIAL LETTER TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. ship, United States, at sea. 

Sir, Oct. 30, 1812. 

I have the honor to inform you, that on the 25th 
inst. being in latitude 29° N. longitude 29° 30' W. we 
fell in with, and after an action of an hour and a half, 
captured his Britannic Majesty’s ship Macedonian , 
commanded by captain John Carden, and mounting 49 
carriage guns, (the odd gun shifting.) She is a frig¬ 
ate of the largest class two years old, four months out 
of dock, and reputed one of the best sailers in the 
British service. The enemy, being to windward, had 
the advantage of engaging us at his own distance, 


* Which see ante. p. M. 













NAVAL MONUMENT. 


25 


which was so great, that for the first half hour, we 
did not use our caronades, and at no moment was he 
within the complete effect of our musketry and grape ; 
to this circumstance, and a heavy swell, which was on 
at the time, I ascribe the unusual length of the action. 

The enthusiasm of every officer, seaman and marine 
on board this ship, on discovering the enemy—their 
steady conduct in battle, and precision of their fire, 
could not be surpassed. Where all met my fullest 
expectations, it would be unjust in me to discriminate. 
Permit me, however, to recommend to your particular 
notice, my first Lieut. William H. Allen. He has 
served with me upwards of five years, and to his un¬ 
remitted exertions in disciplining the crew, is to be 
imputed the obvious superiority of our gunnery exhib¬ 
ited in the result of this contest. 

Subjoined is a list of the killed and wounded on both 
sides. Our loss compared with that of the enemy, 
will appear small. Amongst our wounded you will 
observe the name of Lieut. Funk, who died a few 
hours after the action ; he was an officer of great gall¬ 
antry and promise, and the service has sustained a se¬ 
vere loss in his death. 

The Macedonian lost her mizen mast, fore and 
main topmasts and main yard, and was much cut up 
in her hull.—The damage sustained by this ship was 
not such as to render her return into port necessary ; 
and had I not deemed it important that we should see 
our prize in, should have continued our cruise. 

With the highest consideration and respect, I am, 
sir, your obedient humble servant, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton. STEPHEN DECATUR. 

List of killed and wounded on board the 
United States. 

Killed —One seaman and five marines. 

Wounded —John Musser Funk, Philadelphia, 
Lieut, and six others. 

On hoard the Macedonian, there were thirty-six kil¬ 
led, and sixty-eight wounded: among the former were 
4 


26 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the boatswain, one master’s mate and the school-mas¬ 
ter ; of the latter, were the first and third Lieuts. one 
master’s mate and two midshipmen. 

At a meeting of the young men of Lancaster, Pa. 
the following resolution, honorary to Lieut. Funk, was 
passed: 

Whereas, with the deepest regret we have been ap¬ 
prised of the untimely death of our friend and fellow 
citizen, Lt. John Musser Funk, who fell gloriously 
fighting in the cause of his country, in the engagement 
between the frigate United States and the Macedoni¬ 
an , which ended in the brilliant victory of the United 
States over the British frigate. 

Resolved , That as a testimony of our grief at the 
loss of the companion of our youth, our respect for his 
virtues, and the high estimation in which we hold his 
memory, we will wear crape on the left arm for the 
space of thirty days. 

John Archibald died of his wounds soon after. He 
left three children to the mercy of the world and a 
worthless mother, who had abandoned them. When 
his father went on board the frigate to claim the wa¬ 
ges and property of his son, an inquiry into the cir¬ 
cumstances of the family took place, and a plan was 
agreed upon by the seamen for the relief of the or¬ 
phans, and two dollars apiece was immediately sub¬ 
scribed, amounting to about eight hundred, for the 
maintenance and education of the bereaved infants to 
be placed in the hands of suitable trustees. 

Address of Thanks. 

The father of the deceased John Archibald, who fell 
in the gallant action on board the United States , un¬ 
der the command of the heroic Com. Stephen Decatur, 
avails himself of thus publicly returning his most sin¬ 
cere thanks to the commander for his humanity and 
benevolence to him, and also to his gallant officers and 
seamen, many of whom,are personally acquainted with 
the deceased’s father, for having contributed largely 
and honourably towards the support of the said de- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


27 


ceased's three orphan children; which clearly demon¬ 
strate that the American seamen are possessed both of 
courage and humanity. 

Capt. Carden spoke in the highest terms of appro¬ 
bation of the conduct of Com. Decatur and his officers. 
All the private property of the officers and men on 
board the Macedonian was given up. That claimed 
by Capt. Carden, (including a band of musick and 
several casks of wine) valued at about 800 dollars, the 
Comodore—whose soul is as liberal as brave—paid him 
for. Generosity could not have been more properly 
applied. Capt. Carden has been distinguished for his 
civilities to such Americans as he met at sea before the 
war. 

The frigate United States is 176 feet deck, and 42 
feet beam—her gun deck is 6 feet 6 inches high—she 
has 15 port holes on a side—and carries 24 pounders 
on her main deck. 

The Macedonian , is 166 feet deck—42 feet 8 inch¬ 
es beam—her gun deck is 6 feet 10 inches high—she 
has 15 port holes on a side—and carries 18 pounders 
on her main deck. The Macedonian is said to be the 
best model for a frigate, and was accounted the most 
completely fitted vessel in the service. 

An officer of the United States frigate, speaking of 
Decatur's victory, says, 

“I am well aware it will be said, the Macedonian 
is a little ship, with five guns less than the United 
States , and a hundred men less, and carries lighter 
metal &c. Well, all this is true—she is inferior in all 
these, but she is just such a ship as the English have 
achieved all their single ship victories in ; it was in 
such a ship that Sir Robert Barlow took the Afri- 
caine , that Sir Michael Seymour took the Brune , 
and afterwards the JYiem‘en , that Capt. Milne took 
the Vengeance , Capt. Cooke the Lcifojde, Capt. La- 
v ie , the Guerriere , Capt. Rowley, the Venus , and 
God knows how many others :—She is in tonnage, 
men and guns, such a ship as the English prefer to all 
others, and have, till the Guerriere 1 s loss, alwavs 


28 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


thought a match for any single decked ship afloat. 
You will observe the ship was just out of dock, her 
masts were better than the Guerriere’s. She had ta¬ 
ken no prizes ; her complement was full. She was 
not built of fir, thirty years ago, as was said of that 
ship, but of the best English oak, two years since. 


CONSTITUTION AND JAVA. 

House of Representatives of the United States, 
Monday , February 22, 1813. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives. 

1 lay before congress a letter with accompanying 
documents from Capt. Bainbridge, now command¬ 
ing the United States frigate “the Constitution,” 
reporting his capture and destructon of the British 
frigate “Java.” The circumstances and the issue of 
this combat afford another example of the profes¬ 
sional skill and heroic spirit which prevail in our na¬ 
val service. The signal display of both by Capt. 
Bainbridge, his officers and crew command the highest 
praise. This being the second instance in which the 
condition of the captured ship, by rendering it imposs¬ 
ible to get her into port, has barred a contemplated 
reward for successful valor, I recommend to the con¬ 
sideration of congress equity and propriety of a gener¬ 
al provision, allowing in such cases, both past and fu¬ 
ture, a fair proportion of the value which would accrue 
to the captors on the safe arrival and sale of the prize. 

JAMES MADISON. 

U. S. frigate Constitution, St. Salvador, 

Sir, January 3, 1813. 

I have the honor to inform you that on the29th ult. 
at 2 P. M., in south lat. 13° 6', and west long. 38°, 
about 10 leagues distant from the coast of Brazil, I fell 
in with and captured his B. M. frigate Java, of 49 guns 
and upwards of400 men, commanded by Capt. Lam¬ 
bert, a very distinguished officer. The action lasted 1 



THE JAVA SURRENDERING TO THE CONSTITUTION. 








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































* % 




4 * * 










#•* 

♦ i * 











































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


29 


hour 55 minutes, in which time the enemy was com¬ 
pletely dismasted, not having a spar of any kind stand¬ 
ing. The loss on board the Constitution , was 9 kill¬ 
ed and 25 wounded, as per enclosed list. The enemy 
had 60 killed and 101 wounded, certainly, (among the 
latter Capt. Lambert, mortally) but by the enclosed 
letter, written on board this ship, by one of the officers 
of the Java , and accidentally found, it is evident that 
the enemy's wounded must have been much greater 
than as above stated, and who must have died of their 
wounds previously to their being removed. The let¬ 
ter states 60 killed and 170 wounded. 

For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer 
you to the enclosed extracts from my Journal. The 
Java had, in addition to her own crew, upwards of 
one hundred supernumerary officers and seamen to 
join the British ships of war in the East Indies : also 
Lieut. General Hislop, appointed to the command of 
Bombay : Maj. Walker and Capt. Wood of his staff, 
and Capt. Marshall, master and commander in the 
British navy, going to the East Indies to take command 
of a sloop of war there. 

Should I attempt to do justice by representation to 
the brave and good conduct of all my officers and crew 
during the action, I should fail in the attempt ; there¬ 
fore suffice it to say, that the whole of their conduct 
was such as to merit my highest encomiums. I beg 
leave to recommend the officers particularly to the no¬ 
tice of the government, as also the unfortunate seamen 
who were wounded, and the families of those brave 
men who fell in the action. 

The great distance from our own coast and the per¬ 
fect wreck we made the enemy's frigate, forbade every 
idea of attempting to take her to the United States ; 
I had therefore no alternative but burning her, which 
I did on the 31st ult, after receiving all the prisoners 
and their baggage, which was very hard work, only 
having one boat left out of eight, and not one left on 
board the Java . 

On blowing up the frigate Java , I proceeded to 


30 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


this place, where I have landed all the prisoners on 
their parole to return to England, and there remain 
until regularly exchanged, and not to serve in their 
professional capacities in any place, or in any manner 
whatsoever against the United States of America, un¬ 
til their exchange shall be affected. 

I have the honor to be, Slc. 
(Signed) W. BAINBRIDGE. 

To the Secretary of the JYavy. 

List of killed and wounded on hoard the Constitution. 

Killed —Jonas Ongrain, seamen ; Joseph Adams, 
do.; Patrick Conner, do.; Barney Hart, do. ; John 
Cheever, do.; Mark Snow, do.; John D. Allen, do.; 
Wm. Cooper, do.; Thomas Hanson, private marine. 

Wounded —Wm. Bainbridge, commander, severe¬ 
ly ; John C. Aylwin, lieut. do.; Chas. F. Waldo, 
masters’s mate, do.; and twenty one others. 

(Signed) AMOS R. EVANS, Surgeon , 

R. C. LUDLOW, Purser , 

W. BAINBRIDGE. 

John Cheever was mortally wounded in the late ac¬ 
tion with the Java. Whilst lying on the deck, appa¬ 
rently dying, the word was passed the enemy had 
struck. He raised himself up with one hand, gave 
three cheers, fell back, and expired ! Heroic specimen 
of the genuine patriotism of American tars ! He had 
a brother, Joseph P. Cheever, killed in the same ac¬ 
tion. They have left an aged and helpless mother at 
Marblehead, who depended entirely on the fruits of 
their industry for a subsistence. 

At a public dinner, at the Exchange Coffee house, 
in Boston, given in honor of Capt. Bainbridge, March 
2, 1813, the Hon. Christopher Gore, president of the 
day, announced in an affecting and eloquent address, 
that the money arising from the subscription, which was 
usually appropriated to decorations, had been on this 
occasion, reserved for the benefit of the widow Cheev¬ 
er, who had lost in the battle with the Java, her only 
two sons, her stay and support; and he offered this to 
the Commodore as an apology for an omission of dec- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 31 

orations of the hall, as had been usual, and doubted 
not it would be acceptable. The Commodore expres¬ 
sed his grateful sense of the compliment implied in the 
apology ; and all present felt that the compliment was 
justly due. 

Lieut. Aylwin died, at sea, Jan. 28, 1813, on board 
the U. S. frigate Constitution , of wounds received in 
the action with the Java. He entered the service 
about the time war was declared, as a sailing master, 
and was promoted to a lieutenant for his gallant con¬ 
duct in the action with the Guerriere. He was an 
officer of great merit, much esteemed by all who had 
the pleasure of his acquaintance. In him his country 
has suffered great loss. He had seen much of the 
world, and improved his 1 opportunities of observation ; 
possessed a strong mind, and a benevolent disposition. 

In the action with the Guerriere, he stood on an el¬ 
evated situation by the side of his comrades, Morris 
and Bush, at the time the two vessels came in contact, 
and was wounded in the left shoulder by a musket 
ball. In the late action he commanded the forecastle 
division ; and his deliberate bravery and marked cool¬ 
ness throughout the contest, gained him the admiration 
of his commander, and all who had an opportunity 
of witnessing it. When boarders were called to re¬ 
pel boarders, he mounted the quarter deck hammock- 
cloths ; and, in the act of firing his pistol at the ene¬ 
my, he received a ball through the same shoulder. 
Notwithstanding the serious nature of his wound, he 
continued at his post until the enemy struck. A few 
days after the action, although labouring under consid¬ 
erable debility, and the most excruciating pain, he left 
his bed, and repaired to quarters, when an engagement 
was expected with a ship, which afterwards proved to 
be the Hornet. He bore his pain with great and unu¬ 
sual fortitude, and expired without a groan. 

The following is a list of his Britannic Majesty’s 
military and naval officers and crew, paroled at St. 
Salvador (Brazil) by Com. William Bainbridge, 3d 
Jan. 1813. 


32 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


1 Lieutenant general, 1 major, 1 captain, military 
officers ; 1 post captain, 1 master and commandant, 
5 lieutenants, 3 lieutenants of marines, 1 surgeon, 2 as¬ 
sisting surgeons, I purser, 15 midshipmen, 1 gunner, 
1 boatswain, 1 master, 1 carpenter, 2 captain's clerks, 
38; and 323 petty officers, seamen, marines and boys, 
exclusive of 9 Portuguese seamen liberated and given 
up to the governor of St. Salvador, and 3 passengers, 
private characters, whom the Commodore did not con¬ 
sider prisoners of war, and permitted them to land 
without any restraint. 

EXTRACT FROM COM. BAINBRIDGE’s JOURNAL. 

“Tuesday December 29, 1812—At 9 A. M.discov¬ 
ered two strange sails on the weather bow. At 10 
discovered the strange sails to be ships; one of them 
stood in for the land, and the other stood off shore, in 
a direction towards us. At 45 minutes past 10 A. M. 
we tacked ship to the northward and westward, and 
stood for the sail standing towards us ; at 11 A. M. 
tacked to the southward and eastward, hauled up the 
mainsail and took in the royals. At 30 minutes past 
11, made the private signal for the day, which was not 
answered, and then set the mainsail and royals to 
draw the strange sail off from the neutral coast, and 
separate her from the sail in company. 

“Wednesday, 30 Dec . (nautical time) lat. 13° 6' 
S. Ion. 31° W. ten leagues from the coast of Brazil, 
commenced with clear weather and moderate breezes 
from E. N. E. hoisted our ensign and pendant. At 
15 minutes past meridian, the ship hoisted her colours, 
an English ensign, having a signal flying at main. 

“ At 26 minutes past 1 P. M. being sufficiently from 
land, and finding the ship to be an English frigate, took 
in the main sail and royals, tacked ship, and stood for 
the enemy. At 50 minutes past 1 P. M. the enemy 
bore down with an intention of raking us which we 
avoided by wearing. At 2 P. M. the enemy being 
within half a mile of us, and to windward, and having 
hauled down his colours, except the union jack at the 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


33 


mizen mast head, induced me to give orders to the offi¬ 
cer of the third division to fire a gun ahead of the en¬ 
emy, to make him show his colours, which being done, 
brought on a fire from us of the whole broadside, on 
which the enemy hoisted his colors, and immediately 
returned our fire. A general action, with round and 
grape, then commenced ; the enemy keeping at a much 
greater distance than I wished : but could not bring 
him to a closer action, without exposing ourselves to 
several rakes. Considerable manoeuvres were made 
by both vessels to rake and avoid being raked. The 
following minutes were taken during the action : 

“At 10 minutes past 2 P. M.-commenced the action 
within good grape and canister distance, the enemy to 
windward, (but much farther than I wished.) At 30 
minutes past 2, our wheel was shot entirely away. 
At 40 minutes past 2, determined to close with the en¬ 
emy, notwithstanding his raking. Set the fore and 
mainsail, and luffed up close to him. At 50 minutes 
past 2, the enemy’s jib-boom got foul of our mizen 
rigging. At 3, the head of the enemy’s bowsprit and 
jib-boom shot away by us. At 5 minutes past 3, shot 
away the enemy’s foremast by the board. At 15 min¬ 
utes past 3, shot away his main topmast just above the 
cap. At 40 minutes past 3, shot away the gaft and 
spanker boom. At 55 minutes past 3, shot away his 
mizen mast nearly by the board. At 5 minutes past 4, 
having silenced the fire of the enemy completely, and 
his colours in the main rigging being down, we sup¬ 
posed he had struck ; we then hauled down courses 
and shot ahead to repair our rigging, which was ex¬ 
tremely cut; leaving the enemy a complete wreck; soon 
after discovered that the enemy’s flag was still flying. 
Hove to, to repair some of our damage. At 20 min¬ 
utes past 4, the enemy’s mainmast went nearly by the 
board. At 50 minutes past four, wore ship and stood 
for the enemy. At 25 minutes past 5, got very close 
to the enemy in a very effectual raking position, ath¬ 
wart his bows, and was at the very instant of raking 
him when he most prudently struck his flag—for had 


34 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


he suffered the broadside to have raked him, his addi¬ 
tional loss must have been extremely great, as he laid 
an unmanageable wreck upon the water.” 

The following correspondence exhibits the character 
of Capt. Bainbridge in a light so honorable, and so 
well calculated to exalt the national character, that we 
are happy in the opportunity of giving it publicity. 

GENERAL IIISLOP TO COM. BAINBRIDGE. 

Bear Sir, St. Salvador , January 3, 1813. 

I am justly penetrated with the fullest sense of your 
very handsome and kind treatment, ever since the fate 
of war placed me in your power, and I beg once more 
to renew to you my sincere acknowledgments for 
the same. 

Your acquiescence with my request in granting me 
my parole, with the officers of my staff, added to the 
obligations I had previously experienced, claims from 
me this additional tribute of my thanks. May I now 
finally flatter myself, that in the further extension of 
your generous and humane feelings, in the alleviations 
of the misfortunes of war, that you will have the good¬ 
ness to fulfil the only wish and request I am now most 
anxious to see completed, by enlarging on their parole 
(on the same conditions you have acceded to with res¬ 
pect to myself) all the officers of the Java still on 
board your ship, a favour I shall never cease duly to 
appreciate by your acquiescence thereto. 

I have the honour to subscribe myself, dear sir, 
your most obliged and very humble servant, 

(Signed ) ' T. HISLOF. 

Com. Bainbridge. 

ANSWER OF COM. BAINBRIDGE. 

United States frigate Constitution. 
Dear Sir, St. Salvador , Jan. 3, 1813. 

I have received your letter of this date conveying, 
sentiments of your feelings for my treatment towards 
you since the fate of war placed you in my power. 
The kind expressions which you have been pleased to 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


35 


use, are justly appreciated by me, and far overbalance 
those common civilities shewn by me, and which are 
always due to prisoners. I regret that the lumbered 
state of my ship prevented me from making you as 
comfortable on hoard, as I sincerely wished to have 
done. I have complied with your last request, respec¬ 
ting paroling all the officers of the Java. In doing so, 
your desire, in addition to my disposition to ameliorate 
as much as possible the situation of those officers, 
considerably influenced me. 

Permit me to tender you (notwithstanding our res¬ 
pective countries are at war) assurances of sincere es¬ 
teem and high respect, and to assure you that I shall 
feel at all times highly gratified in hearing of or from 
you. 

With fervent wishes for the recovery of the gallant 
Capt. Lambert, I have the honor to subscribe myself, 
very respectfullv, &c. 

(Signed) W. BAINBRIDGE. 

Lieut. Gen. Hislop , of the British army. 

GENERAL HISLOP TO COM. BAINBRIDGE. 

Dear Sir, St. Salvador, Jan. 4. 1813. 

Allow me once more to express my sincerest ac¬ 
knowledgments for this last instance of your kind atten¬ 
tion to my wishes, by having complied with my request 
in behalf of the officers of the Java. Lieut. Chads 
delivered to me your very polite and obliging letter, 
and be assured that I shall feel no less gratification 
at all times to hear of and from you, than that which 
you are so good as to express you will derive in re¬ 
ceiving information respecting myself. 

May I request now that you will be so good as to 
cause to he looked for a small chest, containing articles 
of plate, more valuable to me on account of having 
been presented to me by the colony of Demarara, 
where I commanded for several years. 

I have the honor to he &c. 

(Signed) T. HISLOP. 

Com. Bainbridge. 


36 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Lieut. Chads presents his compliments to Com. 
Bainbridge, and is extremely sorry to inform him, 
Capt. Lambert died a short time since. 

St. Salvador , Monday 11 o'clock. 

COM. BAINBRIDGE TO LIEUT. CHADS 

January 4, 1813. 

Com. Bainbridge has learnt with real sorrow the 
death of Capt. Lambert. Though a political enemy, 
he could not but greatly respect him for the brave de¬ 
fence he made with his ship : and Com. Bainbridge 
takes this occasion to observe, in justice to Lieut. 
Chads, who fought the Java after Capt. Lambert was 
wounded, that he did every thing for the defence of 
that ship, which a brave and skilful officer could do, 
and that further resistance would have been a wanton 
effusion of human blood. 

Size of the Java. 

The Java is rated in Steel's list a 38 gun frigate. 
Her real force was 28 eighteen pounders on the main 
deck—14 thirty-two pounders, on the quarter deck— 
4 thirty-two pounders, and 2 large twelve pounders on 
the forecastle—and one shifting gun, a twenty-four 
pounder. 

The British rate their ship from the number of guns 
on a particular deck ; and a frigate carrying 28 eigh¬ 
teen pounders on her main deck, is regularly called by 
them a 38, which rate has frequently fifty-two moun¬ 
ted. 

There are on board the Constitution some of the 
Java's shot, from which it has been ascertained, that 
there is scarcely three pounds difference between her 
eighteens and the American twenty-fours, so called ; 
and that the thirty-two pound shot of the Java is heav¬ 
ier than the thirty-two pound shot of the Constitution. 

The officers of the Java , while on board the Consti¬ 
tution, mentioned, that this frigate was formerly the 
French ship La Renome , taken off Madagascar, 
May 20,1811, in company with La JVeriede ,, after a 


THE HORNET BLOCKADING THE BONNE CITOYENNE. 






















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































»* 








NAVAL MONUMENT. 


37 


severe action, by the Phoebe, Astrea and Galatea. 
At the time of capture, La Renome mounted 44 guns 
—The British added five guns. 


HORNET AND BONNE CITOYENNE. 

Capt. Lawrence, while off the harbour of St. 
Salvador, in the Hornet, sent a challenge to Capt. 
Greene, of the Bonne Citoyenne , to try the superiori¬ 
ty of their vessels in action ; which was conveyed 
through the American Consul, as follows : 

“ When I last saw you, I stated to you my wish to 
meet the Bonne Citoyenne , and authorized you to 
make my wish known to Capt. Greene. I now re¬ 
quest you to state to him, that I will meet him when¬ 
ever he may be pleased to come out, and pledge my 
honor that neither the Constitution, nor any other 
American vessel shall interfere. 

Com. Bainbridge, of the Constitution frigate, con¬ 
firms to me (says the consul) the request of Capt. Law¬ 
rence, in these words :—If Capt. Greene wishes tc 
try equal force, I pledge my honor to give him ai 
opportunity, by being out of the way or not interfer¬ 
ing.” 

The folloiving letter from Mr. Frederick Landeman, 
the English Consul to the American Consul, con¬ 
veys Capt. Greene's reply to the challenge. 

Sir, “ Fort de St. Pedro, Dec. 29, 1819. * 

I transmitted your letter to me, of yesterday, to 
Capt. P. B. Greene, to whom the substance is direc¬ 
ted ; and, having received his reply, I herewith insert 
it verbatim. 

“I hasten to acknowledge the favour of your com¬ 
munication, made to me this morning from Mr. Hill, 
consul to the United States of America, on the sub¬ 
ject of a challenge, stated to have been offered through 
Mr. Hill, by Capt Lawrence, of the United States 
sloop of war the Hornet, to myself, as commander of 



38 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


his Britannic Majesty's ship the Bonne Citoyenne , 
anchored in this port, pledging his honor, as well as 
that of Com. Bainbridge, that no advantage shall be 
taken by the Constitution or any other American ves¬ 
sel whatever on the occasion. I am convinced, sir, 
if such rencontre were to take place, the result could 
not be long dubious, and would terminate favourably 
to the ship which I have the honor to command ; but 
I am equally convinced that Com. Bainbridge could 
not swerve so much from the duty he owes to his coun¬ 
try, as to become an inactive spectator, and see a ship, 
belonging to the very squadron under his orders, fall 
into the hands of an enemy ; this reason operates pow¬ 
erfully on my mind for not exposing the Bonne Cito¬ 
yenne to a risk, upon terms so manifestly disadvantage¬ 
ous as those proposed by Com. Bainbridge; indeed, 
nothing could give me greater satisfaction than com¬ 
plying with the wishes of Capt. Lawrence; and i ern- 
eastly hope that chance will afford him an opportuni¬ 
ty of meeting the Bonne Citoyenne under different 
circumstances, to enable him to distinguish himself in 
the manner he is now so desirous of doing. I further 
assure you, that my ship will, at all times, be prepar¬ 
ed, wherever she may be, to repel.any attacks made 
against her, and I shall also act offensively, wherever 
I judge it proper to do so. 

I am, sir, with great regard, 

HORNET AND PEACOCK. 
capt. Lawrence’s letter to the sec’y of the navy. 

U. S. ship Hornet, Holmes’ Hole, 
Sir, March 19, 1813. 

I have the honor to inform you of the arrival at 
this port of the United States ship Hornet, under my 
command, from a cruise of 145 days; and to state to you, 
that after Com. Bainbridge left the coast of Brazils, 
(Jan. 6) I continued off the harbour of St. Salvador, 
blockading the Bonne Citoyenne, until the 24th, when 



















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


39 


the Montague 74 hove in sight, and chased me into the 
harbour; but night coming on, I wore and stood out 
to the southward. Knowing that she had left Rio Ja¬ 
neiro for the express purpose of relieving the Bonne 
Citoyenne and the packet, [ which I had also blockaded 
for 14 days, and obliged her mail to go to Rio, in a 
Portuguese smack] 1 judged it most prudent to shift 
my cruising ground, and hauled by the wind to the 
eastward, with the view of cruising off Pernambuco, 
and on the 4th of February captured the English brig 
Resolution , of 10 guns, from Rio Janeiro, bound to 
Morahnam, with coffee, jerked beef, flour, fustic, and 
butter, and about 23,000 dollars in specie. As she 
sailed dull and I could not spare hands to man her, I 
took out the money and set her on fire. I ran down 
the coast of Morahnam, and cruised there a short time : 
from thence ran off Surinam. After cruising off that 
coast from the 15th to the 22d of Feb. without meet¬ 
ing a vessel, I stood for Dernerara, with an intention, 
should I be fortunate on that station, to run through 
the West Indies, on my way to the United States. 
But, on the 24th in the morning, I discovered a brig 
to the leeward, to which I gave chase ; ran into quar¬ 
ter less four, and not having a pilot, was obliged to 
haul ofF, the fort at the entrance of Dernerara river at 
this time bearing S. W. distant about two and a half 
leagues. Previous to giving up the chase, I discover¬ 
ed a vessel at anchor without the bar, with English 
colours flying, apparently a brig of war, In beating 
round Corobano Bank, in order to get at her, at half 
past 3 P. M, discovered another sail on our weather 
quarter, edging down for us. At 20 minutes past 4, 
she hoisted English colours, at which time we discov¬ 
ered her to be a large man-of-war brig—beat to quar¬ 
ters, cleared ship for action, and kept close by the wind, 
in order, if possible, to get the weather gage. At 10 
minutes past 5,finding I could weather the enemy,! hois¬ 
ted American colours and tacked. At 25 minutes past 
5, in passing each other, exchanged broadsides within 
half pistol shot. Observing the enemy in the act of 


40 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


wearing, I bore up, received his starboard broadside, 
ran him close on board the starboard quarter, and kept 
up such a heavy and direct fire, that in less than 15 
minutes he surrendered, being literally cut to pieces, 
and hoisted his ensign, union down, from his fore-rig¬ 
ging, as a signal of distress. Shortly after, his main¬ 
mast went by the board. Despatched Lieut. Shubrick 
on board, who soon returned with her first Lieut, who 
reported her to be his Britannic Majesty’s late brig 
Peacock , commanded by Capt. William Peake, who 
fell in the latter part of the action ; that a number of 
her crew were killed and wounded, and that she was 
sinking fast, having then six feet of water in her hold. 
Despatched the boats immediately for the wounded, 
and brought both vessels to anchor. Such shot holes 
as could be got at were then plugged up : her guns 
thrown overboard, and every possible exertion used to 
keep her afloat until the prisoners could be removed, 
by pumping and bailing, but without effect, as she 
unfortunately sunk in 5$ fathoms water, carrying down 
13 of her crew, and 3 of my brave fellows, viz : John 
Hart, Joseph Williams and Hannibal Boyd ; Lieut. 
Conner, Midshipman Cooper, and the remainder of 
my men, employed in removing the prisoners, with 
difficulty saved themselves, by jumping into a boat 
that was lying on her booms as she went down. Four 
men, of the 13 mentioned, were so fortunate as to gain 
the fore top, and were afterwards taken off by the boats. 
Previous to her going down, 4 of her men took the 
stern boat, that had been much damaged during the 
action, who, I sincerely hope reached the shore in 
safety ; but from the heavy sea running at the time, 
the shattered state of the boat, and the difficulty of 
landing on the coast, I am fearful they were lost. I 
have not been able to ascertain from her officers 
the exact number killed. Capt. Peake and 4 men 
were found dead on board. The master, and one 
midshipman, carpenter and captain’s clerk, and 29 sea¬ 
men were wounded ; most of them severely, 3 of them 
died of their wounds after being removed, and 9 drown- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


41 


ed. Our loss was trifling in comparison. John Place, 
killed ; Samuel Coulson, and John Delyrumple severe¬ 
ly wounded ; George Coffin and Lewis Todd severely 
burnt by the explosion of a cartridge. Todd survived 
only a few days. Our rigging and sails are much cut. 
One shot through the foremast; and the bowsprit slight¬ 
ly injured. Our hull received little or no damage. 
At the time I brought the Peacock to action, the L’Es- 
picgle (the brig mentioned as being at anchor) mount¬ 
ing sixteen 32 pound carronades and two long nines, 
lay about six miles in shore of me, and could plainly 
see the whole of the action. Apprehensive that she 
would beat out to the assistance of her consort, such 
exertions were made by my officers and crew repairing 
damages, &c. that by nine o’clock my boats were 
stowed away, new set of sails bent, and the ship com¬ 
pletely ready for action. At 2 A. M. got under way 
and stood by the wind to the northward and westward, 
under easy sail. 

On mustering next morning, found we had two 
hundred and seventy seven souls on board, including 
the crew of the American brig Hunter , of Portland, 
taken a few days since by the Peacock. As we had 
been on two thirds allowance of provisions, for some 
time, and had but 3,400 gallons of water on board, I 
reduced the allowance to three pints a man, and deter¬ 
mined to make the best of my way to the United 
States. 

The Peacock was deservedly styled one of the finest 
vessels of her class in the British navy. I should 
judge her to be about the tonnage of the Hornet. 
Her beam was greater by five inches ; but her extreme 
length not so great by four feet. She mounted sixteen 
24 pound carronades, two long nines, one 12 pound 
carronade on her top-gallant forecastle, as a shifting 
gun, and one 4 or 6 pounder, and two swivels moun¬ 
ted aft. I find, by her quarter bill, that her crew con¬ 
sisted of 134 men, 4 of whom were absent in a prize. 

The cool and determined conduct of my officers 
and crew during the action, and their almost unexam- 
6 


4 2 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


pled exertions afterwards, entitle them to my warmest 
acknowledgments, and I beg leave most earnestly to 
recommend them to the notice of government. 

By the indisposition of Lieut. Stewart, I was de¬ 
prived of the services of an excellent officer. Had he 
been able to stand the deck, I am sure his exertions 
would not have been surpassed by any one on board. 
I should be doing injustice to the merits of Lieut. 
Shubrick, and acting Lieuts. Conner and Newton, 
were I not to recommend them particularly to your 
notice. Lieut. Shubrick was in the actions of the 
Guerriere and Java. Capt. Hull and Com. Bain- 
bridge can bear testimony of his coolness and good 
conduct on both occasions. I have the honor to be, sir, 
your obedient servant, 

Hon. Wm. Jones, JAMES LAWRENCE. 

Secretary of the Navy. 

P. S. At the commencement of the action, my 
sailing-master and seven men were absent in a prize ; 
and Lieut. Stewart and six men were on the sick list. 

As there is every prospect of the wind being to the 
eastward in the morning, I shall make the best of my 
way to New-York. 

Liberality of American tars. 

It is a fact worthy of note, and in the highest de¬ 
gree honorable to our brave tars, that, the day pro¬ 
ceeding the destruction of his Britannic Majesty's 
brig Peacock the crew of the Hornet made a subscrip¬ 
tion, and supplied the prisoners, who had lost almost 
every thing, with two shirts, a blue jacket and trow- 
sers, each. 

Tribute of gratitude. ' 

Sir, New-York , March 27, 1813. 

We, the surviving officers of his Britannic Maj¬ 
esty's brig Peacock, beg leave to return you our 
grateful acknowledgments for the kind attention and 
hospitality we experienced during the time we remain¬ 
ed on board the United States sloop Hornet. So 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


43 


much was done to alleviate the distressing and un¬ 
comfortable situation, in which we were placed when 
received on board the sloop you command, that we 
cannot better express our feelings, than by saying, 
“we ceased to consider ourselves prisoners,” and eve¬ 
ry thing that friendship could dictate, was adopted by 
you, and the officers of the Hornet , to remedy the in¬ 
conveniences we should otherwise have experienced 
from the unavoidable loss of the whole of our proper¬ 
ty and clothes by the sudden sinking of the Peacock. 

Permit us then, sir, impressed, as we are, with a 
grateful sense of your kindness, for ourselves and the 
other officers and ship’s company, to return you, and 
the officers of the Hornet, our sincere thanks, which 
we shall feel obliged, if you will communicate to 
them in our name, and believe us to remain with a 
high sense of the kind offices you have rendered us, 
your humble servants, 

F. A. WRIGHT, 1st Lieutenant, 
C. LAMUERT, 2d Lieutenant. 
EDWARD LOTT, Master. 

I. WHITAKER, Surgeon. 

F. D. UNWIN, Purser. 

James Lawrence, Esq. 

Commander U. S. Sloop Hornet. 

The demolition of the Peacock by the Hornet ap¬ 
pears to have been a master-piece of American gun¬ 
nery. When the Leopard, a 50 gun ship, attacked 
the Chesapeake of 36 guns, she poured her broadsides 
for nearly 20 minutes, without cessation, and close 
aboard, into an unresisting, cluttered and inferiour 
ship. Yet only three were killed, and a proportionate 
number wounded. The Wasp, in 43 minutes cut 
down the Frolic from 119 men to 20, capable of do¬ 
ing duty ; and the Hornet, in only 15 minutes, killed 
9, wounded 35, and totally shivered her superior an¬ 
tagonist to atoms! 


44 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 

The folloiving account of the capture of the Chesa- 
peake , appeared in a Boston newspaper on Fri¬ 
day, 4>th June, 1813. 

On Tuesday forenoon, 1st of June, the British 
frigate Shannon, Capt. Broke, appeared off our har¬ 
bour, and displayed her colours. 

The United States frigate Chesapeake , Capt. Law¬ 
rence, was then at anchor, just below fort Indepen¬ 
dence. As soon as the enemy was seen, she fired a 
gun, and hoisted her colors. Preparations were im¬ 
mediately made for sailing, and when the officers had 
assembled on board, and the tide served, she got un¬ 
der way. The Shannon proceeded down the bay, the 
Chesapeake following under a press of sail. 

Spectators were collected on every place in Boston, 
which commanded a view of the sea, but the frigates 
proceeded to the eastward till lost sight of from the 
town, and our citizens on shore were thereby spared 
the distress of witnessing the result, a pain which those 
had to encounter, who were spectators of the conflict 
in boats and vessels; and from whom the particulars 
of the battle, as far as at present known here, are ob¬ 
tained. 

The Chesapeake had a colour at each mast head. 
That on the fore royal mast was white, and appeared 
to have some inscription on it. She was put under 
her topsails on approaching the enemy, fired a gun, 
and 10 or 12 minutes before 6 the cannonade became 
general and severe, and the Shannon experienced some 
injury in her spars and rigging, while the Chesapeake 
suffered no visible damage ; and appeared to have the 
advantage of her antagonist. About 6, the Chesapeake, 
which was to windward, ran on board the enemy, and 
the contest continued yard-arm to yard-arm. In about 
5 minutes there was a great explosion on board the 
Chesapeake, but whether caused by accident, or any 
new combustible used by the enemy, is uncertain. Soon 
after the smoke thus caused had dispersed, the ships 



E IS G If AV B J> yoi THB 3TAVAL Q V V TM X JT 

































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


45 


separated, and the English colour (a blue flag) was 
seen over the American ensign inverted; and both ves¬ 
sels then stood to the eastward, undoubtedly for Hali¬ 
fax. From the manner in which the action was fought, 
neither of the frigates were essentially injured in their 
masts or rigging. 

We know not that any written challenge was re¬ 
ceived by Capt. Lawrence, hut one intended for him 
reached Salem just after he sailed from Boston. If 
one was delivered on board the Chesapeake , duplicates 
were written. 

The Chesapeake was rated 39 guns, but we under¬ 
stand mounted 49, the Shannon was rated 38, but, it 
is said, mounted 52 —and was superiour in weight of 
metal. The number of men probably about equal. 
The Chesapeake had been refitted for a cruise and was 
nearly ready for sea. 

Capt. Lawrence took the command of the Chesa¬ 
peake a few days since. Some changes had also oc¬ 
curred in the other officers, and the 1st lieutenant was 
sick on shore.* For the same officers to he long as¬ 
sociated, we should conceive an advantage. Many 
of the sailors were fresh recruits, and little or no op¬ 
portunity had been afforded to discipline them, as the 
business of equipping the vessel for sea was not com¬ 
pleted. The enemy, on the contrary, there is reason 
to believe, was prepared. All her officers and men 
had been for several months in the same relative situ¬ 
ations—the complement in each respect was full—and 
the seamen had had every chance of being thoroughly 
exercised. From these circumstances Capt. Law¬ 
rence might, without impropriety, have delayed the 
interview, but he yielded to the impulse of his intrepid 

* Lieut. Octavius Augustus Page died at Boston, of the lung fever, on Friday 
the 4th of June, three days after the battle, aged 2S, He was a son of the late 
Governor Page of Virginia, one of the oldest Lieutenants in the navy of the Uni¬ 
ted States, and the 1st of the Chesapeake. This gentleman is deeply lamented as 
a brave and skilful officer. Capt. Lawrence deplored the necessity of proceed¬ 
ing to sea without him, and Lieut. Page, during his illness, seemed to forget his 
own sufferings in regret of his inability to rejoin his ship, and in anxiety for the 
fate of his gallant companions in arms. 



46 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


spirit as soon as he saw the foe, and whatever specu¬ 
lations there may be as to what would have been the 
mode of battle deserving preference (speaking after the 
event,) no one doubts the bravery of the commander, 
officers and crew, and that he did what he considered 
best. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT 

From Lieut. Budd to the Secretary of the navy dated 

Sir, Halifax, June 15, 1813. 

The unfortunate death of Capt. James Lawrence, 
and Lieut. Augustus C. Ludlow, has rendered it my 
duty to inform you of the capture of the late United 
States frigate Chesapeake. 

On Tuesday June 1st, at 8 A. M. we unmoored ship, 
and at meridian got under way from President’s roads, 
with a light wind from the southward and westward, 
and proceeded on a cruise. A ship was then in sight 
in the offing, which had the appearance of a ship of 
war, and which, from information received from pilot 
boats and craft, we believed to be the British frigate 
Shannon. We made sail in chase and cleared ship 
for action. At i past 4 P. M. she hove to, with her 
head to the southward and eastward. At 5 P. M. took 
in the royals and top-gallant sails, and at J past 5 haul¬ 
ed the courses up. About 15 minutes before 6 P. M. 
the action commenced within pistol shot. The first 
broadside did great execution on both sides, damaged 
our rigging, killed among others Mr. White, the sail¬ 
ing master, and wounded Capt. Lawrence. In about 
12 minutes after the commencement of the action, we 
fell on board of the enemy, and immediately after, 
one of our arm chests on the quarter deck was blown 
up by a hand grenade, thrown from the enemy’s ship. 
In a few minutes one of the Captain’s Aids came on 
the gun deck to inform me that the boarders were cal¬ 
led. I immediately called the boarders away, and pro¬ 
ceeded to the spar deck, where I found that the enemy 
had succeeded in boarding us, and had gained posses¬ 
sion of our quarter deck. I immediately gave orders 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


47 


to haul on board the foretack, for the purpose of shoot¬ 
ing the ship clear of the other, and then made an at¬ 
tempt to regain the quarter deck, but was wounded 
and thrown down on the gun deck. I again made an 
effort to collect the boarders, but in the mean time the 
erfemy had gained complete possession of the ship. 
On my being carried down to the cockpit, I there found 
Capt. Lawrence and Lieut. Ludlow both mortally 
wounded; the former had been carried below previ¬ 
ously to the ship’s being boarded; the latter was 
wounded in attempting to repel the boarders. Among 
those who fell early in the action was Mr. Edward J. 
Ballard, the 4th lieutenant, and Lieut. James Broom 
of marines. 

I herein enclose to you a return of the killed and 
wounded by which you will perceive that every officer, 
upon whom the charge of the ship would devolve, was 
either killed or wounded previously to her capture. 
The enemy report the loss of Mr. Watt, their 1st lieu¬ 
tenant ; the purser; the captain’s clerk, and 23 seamen 
killed; and Capt. Broke, a midshipman, and 56 sea¬ 
men wounded. 

The Shannon had, in addition to her full comple¬ 
ment, an officer and 16 men belonging to the Bel¬ 
le Poule , and a part of the crew belonging to the 

Tenedoes . 

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, &c. 

Hon. Wm. Jones, GEORGE BUDD. 

Sec’y of Navy. 

‘Killed —Edw. J. Ballard,acting lieutenant; James 
Broom, 1st lieutenant of marines ; Wm. A. White, 
sailing master; Pollard Hopewell, midshipman; John 
Evans do.; Courtland Livingston, do.; Daniel Burn¬ 
ham, quarter master; James Woodbury do.; Michael 
Kelly, quarter gunner; John Carter, boatswain’s 
mate,—also, twenty-six seamen, and eleven marines. 

Wounded —James Lawrence, Esq. captain (since 
deceased:) Aug. C. Ludlow, lieutenant, (since deceas¬ 
ed;) Geo. Budd, lieuntenant, Wm. Cox, acting do.; 
Samuel Livermore, acting chaplain ; Francis Nichols, 


48 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Walter abbot, Wm. A. Weaver, Edmund M. Rus¬ 
sell, Wm. Barry, midshipmen. Peter Adams, boat¬ 
swain, (since dead;) Jefferson Griffith, quartermaster; 
James A. Lewis, quarter master; Forbes Dela, quar¬ 
ter gunner, (since dead;) Samuel Hutson, sail maker's 
mate; Thomas Finnagan, gunner's yeoman; Thomas 
Smith 2d, quarter gunner; John Yeazy, do.; John 
Giles, do.; Thomas Rouse, do.; and Thomas Jackson 
2d, quarter master, and fifty seven seamen,—eight of 
whom afterwards died of their wounds. 

Marines —Twenty marines were also wounded and 
one died of his wounds. 

Killed 47 ; wounded 99; wounded, since dead, 14. 

The British return states the loss of the Shannon 
to be 27 killed and 58 wounded. 

FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN LAWRENCE. 

The following orders were issued the day previous 
to the funeral :— 


GARRISON ORDERS. 

Halifax 7th June , 1815. 

A funeral party will be furnished to-morrow, by the 
64th regiment, consisting the 300 rank and file, with 
a proper proportion of officers, and to be supplied with 
three rounds of blank cartridges each man ; to inter 
the remains of Capt. Lawrence, late of the American 
frigate Chesapeake , from the King’s Wharf, at J past 
1 oclock, P. M. 

The band of that corps will attend, and the party 
will be commanded by Lieut. Col. Sir J .Wardlow. 

The officers of the garrison will be pleased to at¬ 
tend the commandant there, at J before 2, to march in 
procession, wearing a piece of black crape round their 
left arm. 

(Signed) F. T. THOMAS, 

Major of Brigade. 

NAVY ORDER. 

The body of the commander of the late United 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


49 


States frigate Chesapeake , will be interred to-morrow 
at 2 o'clock. The captains and commanders, with 
a portion of lieutenants and midshipmen, agreeably 
to the following order of procession, will attend the 
funeral, and will assemble precisely at 1 o'clock along 
side of the Chesapeake , for that purpose. 

THOMAS M. CAPEL, 
Capt. and senior officer at Halifax . 

ORDER OF PROCESSION FROM THE SHIP. 

Pall bearers 

Abreast of the corpse. 

Capt. Baker, 


Pearse, 


Collier, 

Boats two and two, with midshipmen and lieuten¬ 
ants, commanders or lieutenants commanding vessels. 
Commanders. 

Post captains. 

% 

ORDER OF PROCESSION ON SHORE. 

Funeral firing party. 

Pall bearers j j Pall bearers. 

Officers of Privateers. 

American naval officers. 

English naval officers. 

Midshipmen. 

Lieutenants. 

Officers of garrison according to rank. 

Post captains. 

Staff officers. 

General and Senior officers. 

7 


N 

A 

O 

A 

A 

E« 


Pall bearers 

Abreast of the corpse 

Capt. Head, 
Perchel, 
Blyte. 


50 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The respect due to a brave enemy was yesterday 
shewn to the remains of Capt. Lawrence.—The corpse 
was landed from the Chesapeake , under a discharge 
of minute guns, and at 2 o’clock reached the King’s 
wharf—the American ensign was spread as a pall over 
the coffin, on which was placed the sword of the de¬ 
ceased—six captains of the navy officiated as pall¬ 
bearers—six companies of the 64th regiment, com¬ 
manded by Sir John Wardlow, preceded the corpse— 
the officers of the Chesapeake followed it as mour¬ 
ners—the officers of the navy generally attended—Sir 
Thomas Saumarez, the staff, and officers of the gar¬ 
rison—and the procession was closed by a number of 
respectable inhabitants.—The funeral service was per¬ 
formed by the Rev. Rector of St. Paul’s and three 
vollies discharged by the troops over the grave. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

June 19, 1813. 

“I suppose the newspapers and letters sent from 
Halifax, by such of the officers, whose wounds would 
permit them to write, will give you all the particulars 
of the loss of our frigate Chesapeake , which had ar¬ 
rived there. She came in eight or nine miles ahead of 
the Shannon , and appeared to out-sail her fast. When 
she saluted one of the forts six miles from the town, 
and shewed the English over the American colours, 
the Halifax people thought it was the President , a 
prize, and there was a general shout. But I unde¬ 
ceived all whom I could speak to, as I knew the ship; 
and when they found it to be the Chesapeake , and that 
her captain was dead, not a huzza was heard, except I 
believe on board a brig. I was near La Hogue , a 74, 
and am certain her crew did not cheer. Capt. Law¬ 
rence was highly respected for his humanity to the 
crew of the Peacock; and marks of real grief were 
seen in the countenances of all the inhabitants I had 
a chance to see. I can say truly, that all appeared to 
lament his death ; and I heard several say, they con¬ 
sidered the blood which had been shed on the Chesa- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


51 


peake’s deck as dear as that of their own countrymen. 
They also speak against the war as cruel and unnat¬ 
ural ; and hope the States will not compel them to con¬ 
tinue it. I saw three mahogany coffins carried on 
board the Chesapeake the day of the funeral. In one 
of them Capt. Lawrence was placed, and the coffins 
put into a twelve-oared barge, which rowed minute 
strokes, followed by a procession of boats. The 
corpse was received at the king's wharf, by a regi- 
iment of troops, and a full band of music. Six of 
tiie oldest navy captains carried the pall, which was 
one of the colours of the Chesapeake ; which they said 
was considered a particular mark of respect by naval 
men, as it was a token that he had defended his col¬ 
ours bravely, and that at his tomb they should not be 
separated from him. The procession was very long, 
and every thing was conducted in the most solemn and 
respectful manner and the wounded officers of both 
nations, who followed in the procession, made the 
scene very affecting. I never attended a funeral in 
my life when my feelings were so much struck. There 
was not the least mark of exultation that I saw, even 
among the commonest people. 

The Shannon received five or six shots in her hull, 
near wind and water, but they were stopped and lead¬ 
ed. She was lying in the harbor, and they were over¬ 
hauling and shifting her rigging. They expected to 
get her to sea shortly. 

Capt. Broke and Capt. Lawrence were both deliri¬ 
ous from their wounds; and the ships were both 
brought in by very young officers. Capt. Broke we 
consider as very dangerously wounded, having his 
head cut from the top to near his mouth by the ear. 
When Capt. Lawrence could speak, he woujkl say, 
‘Don't give up the ship.' He was first wounded in 
the leg, which bled much, and weakened him ; but lie 
would not be carried below ; when he received a grape 
shot in the lower part of his belly, of which he died. 
Capt. Broke was stated to have received his wound 
in stooping down, trying to save the life of one of the 


52 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Chesapeake’s crew, which one of his own men was 
mangling and whose head he cut off.” 

Shortly after the fate of the Chesapeake and her 
brave defenders was known in the United States, B. 
W. Crowninshield Esq. of Salem, solicited the Amer¬ 
ican government for permission to sail with a flag of 
truce to Halifax, for the purpose of obtaining the en¬ 
tombed bodies of Capt. Lawrence and Lieut. Ludlow: 
the permission being granted, Mr. Crowninshield sail¬ 
ed in a vessel, manned by himself and ten other mas¬ 
ters of vessels, and on application to the British ad¬ 
miral, commanding on that station, obtained the object 
of his request. On their arrival at Salem the funeral 
obseques of the brave deceased were again celebrated 
in the most solemn and impressive manner. 

Business was suspended, and the whole town was 
crowded either to perform or to witness the funeral 
honors to the fallen heroes. About noon the bodies 
were removed from the cartel Henry , accompanied by 
eight boats, manned by sailors in uniform, rowing 
minute-strokes; the cartel brig and the U. S. brig of 
war Rattlesnake , Capt. Creighton, firing minute guns 
during their passage. The bodies were landed, and 
the coffins placed on hearses, which were lent by the 
Board of Health of Boston; the U. S. flag covering 
the hearses. At one o’clock the procession, consisting 
of the officers of the U. S. navy and army, the clergy 
of all denominations, the different corporate bodies, 
the several marine societies, together with citizens and 
strangers from Boston and the vicinity, moved under 
the escort of the elegant company of light infantry, 
commanded by Capt, J. C. King. Minute guns were 
fired during the whole procession by the Salem artil¬ 
lery, under Capt. Peabody, which was stationed on 
Washington-Square. The movement was deeply im¬ 
pressive. The sides of the streets were crowded, and 
the windows were filled with spectators, and many 
were on the tops of houses. The toiling of the deep 
toned bells—the solemn melody of the music—the slow 
and melancholy-inspiring pace of the procession—the 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


53 


appearance of the sable coffins with their accompani¬ 
ments—and the awe-striking report of the minute 
guns, rendered the whole a scene of solemn woe. Two 
hours elapsed while the procession was moving to the 
church ; and the multitude was so great, that a small 
part only could be accomodated to hear the Eulogy by 
the Hon. Judge Story. After the orator had conclu¬ 
ded, the bodies were entombed with the customary 
military and masonic ceremonies. The church was 
shrouded in the sable habiliments of woe, and the sa¬ 
cred services of religion, and the musick, were appro¬ 
priate. 

During the day, our own, as well as the neutral mer¬ 
chant vessels in the harbour wore their colours at half 

mast. 

In the procession were several officers of high mili¬ 
tary rank—Maj. Gen. H. Dearborn, Brig. Gen. T. H. 

Cushing, &c. 

We have understood that the remains are to be re¬ 
embarked in the cartel Henry , and carried to New- 
i r ork, and there to be at the disposal of their respec¬ 
tive relatives. 

A great number of the citizens of Boston attended 
the funeral rites in Salem. Minute guns were fired at 
1 o'clock, and the flags were displayed half-mast from 
the frigate Constitution , the vessels in the harbour, 
the forts, gun-houses, and public buildings. A com¬ 
pany of artillery left town for Salem on Sunday eve¬ 
ning, to assist in the funeral honors. 

Their remains were soon after conveyed to New- 
York, where a procession was formed, which, with the 
spectators, it is supposed, amounted to fifty thousand. 
The burial service was once more performed, and the 
dead committed to the tomb. 

LOSS OF LAWRENCE AND THE CHESAPEAKE. 

“Pro Patria” 

Of the sea-fight in the time of the Commonwealth, 
it is said, by a British historian, “that Blake, who was 
victor, gained not more honor than Tromp, who was 


54 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


vanquished." The remark is alike true of the recent 
engagement. The perseverance of Broke was equal¬ 
led by the promptness of Lawrence. This vessel was 
met the instant it was ascertained there was no other 
to meet. His very first movement was announced to 
the foe, who, in plain sight, was challenging battle 
and crushing defiance. His going into action was to 
be full as gallant as his reception. But he met his 
fate in the first ball. “Give not up the ship," he said, 
and fell, no officer unwounded near, to bear him up 
in his fall. He cared only for victory and his country; 
never for life. 

No restlessness for battle betrayed him into action. 
He had fought and conquered ; had realized the glory 
of victory, and helped to establish the honor of his 
country. Not to go out would be an acknowledge¬ 
ment of victory. The result of a meeting could be 
no more. True, she had a crew picked from the 
squadron. But were not American seaman equal to 
any ? Her captain and men well known to each other. 
Can mine want confidence in me ? Has she not been 
long upon the cruise, and preparing for the purpose ? 
What then ? Are we not always ready ? And what 
if she be the better sailer ? The challenger will not 
dare to retreat; and I shall willingly spare him the 
trouble of pursuit. 

The die was cast ; and let those event-enlightened 
reasoners who have now the presumtion to think it 
was then cast in rashness, ask themselves the question, 
what they would not have said, and what others would 
not have said had the Chesapeake to this hour remain¬ 
ed in port, supinely at anchor, beholding the British 
flag, day by day, cross and recross the harbour, wa¬ 
ving, triumphantly, from a frigate not so decidedly her 
superior, as to be deemed generally much more than a 
match. As for Lawrence, if he had had “ forty thou¬ 
sand lives,"he would have thought the loss of all was 
gain to the surviving such a sight. 

If not rash in going out, still less can this imputa¬ 
tion be cast upon his commencing the battle. He was 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


55 


not only so cautious as not to waste a single ball at a 
fruitless distance; but so gloriously collected as to 
hold himself in reserve, and receive bis enemy’s suc¬ 
cessive fires, until within musket shot lie was able to 
pour in his whole broadside at once. To what then 
was owing the sudden termination of this deadly con¬ 
flict ? Not indeed to an explosion that swept the deck 
of its officers. Mistaking only the cause, never was 
conjecture more fatally right as to the affect. The cap¬ 
tain,every lieutenant without exception, officers of mar¬ 
ines, many of the midshipman, the sailing master, the 
boatswain, were all, early in the action, levelled with 
the deck ; and at the precise point of time, when it was 
most of all important that the Chesapeake should gain 
a particular position, at the instant of hoarding, the 
loss of an assential part of her rigging threw her into 
the wind, and gave to the enemy the decisive advantage. 
The desperation not over, Broke now led his boar¬ 
ders ; an effort, Lawrence doubtless had equalled, 
hut for his previous disability ; and had probably made 
his adversary bitterly repent his daring temerity. 
Nothing is farther than blame from any single officer 
on board. Ludlow, the 1st lieutenant, received three 
balls in the fight, and has since carried them to the 
grave. Every man did his duty. The enemy have 
gained a battle, in which it may be said, without dis¬ 
paragement to their prowess, that certainly their 
valour and their skill could not have been greater than 
was their good fortune. We grudge them not the 
only laurel they have won. Under these circumstan¬ 
ces, were it not deeply drenched in the blood of her 
sons, our country could say to the enemy, “take it, 
and welcome.” 

Most probably the annals of the world may in vain 
be challenged to furnished another instance of so 
short an engagement, and on each side such tremen¬ 
dous execution. 

Capt. Lawrence, at the time of his death, had been 
nearly sixteen years in the service, with only one fur¬ 
lough, and that of six weeks. In September, 1798, 


56 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


he entered as midshipman; and in two years was 
promoted to an acting lieutenant in the Adams , Capt. 
Robinson, in which capacity he continued, till the re¬ 
duction of the navy ; an event which alone prevented 
his appointment being confirmed. He, however, was 
not to remain midshipman long. In the war with Tri¬ 
poli he was promoted to a lieutenancy, and was orig¬ 
inally the 1st officer of the Enterprize , but afterwards 
removed to the John Adams. He signalized himself 
in this memorable warfare by volunteering as first 
lieutenant, with about seventy men and Decatur in 
the ketch Intrepid of 4 guns, to destroy the Phila¬ 
delphia , of 44, in the harbour of Tripoli, and at the 
very mouth of the Bashaw’s cannon. He returned to 
this country with Preble; and to Tripoli as comman¬ 
der of gun boat No. 6. Nearly five years in all he 
served against the Turks; and was afterwards con¬ 
stantly engaged; in the Constitution as first lieuten¬ 
ant—and in the Vixen , Wasp> Argus and Hornet , as 
commander. His first cruise the present war was un¬ 
der Com. Rodgers ; and we all remember what inter¬ 
est his countrymen took in that remonstrance, tem¬ 
perate, yet firm, which he made so immediately after 
his return, against the unprecedented promotion of 
the gallant Morris, and in which he contrived, with 
delicacy and spirit, at once to save the feelings of a 
brother, and to vindicate his own. Under the coun¬ 
tenance of Rodgers and of Bainbridge he urged his 
appeal, but left it to its fate, and sailed with the lat¬ 
ter upon that brilliant cruise which eventuated so glo¬ 
riously to his country, his commander and himself. 
Of the right and fitness of challenging in a public war 
and at sea, we have no doubt. This whole business 
of naval warfare, incalculable as it is in its importance 
to a commercial nation, is yet a strife only for glory. 
It is not to enrich or augment one fleet at the expense 
of another; to support a country by spoils, or extend 
empire by the conquest of ships. It is a contest for 
superiority, a mere struggle for distinction; and the 
opportunity, which cannot otherwise be met, may 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


57 


very fairly be sought. But let those refined minds, 
those nicely scrupulous souls, who quarrel upon prin¬ 
ciple with the right of challenge,consider how Lawrence 
was circumstanced ; and either withhold their censure, 
in this instance at least, from his challenge to the 
Bonne Citoyenne , or avow, at once, their utter unwil¬ 
lingness to pardon anything to “poor human nature.” 
He had left a country, which he had certainly reason 
to distrust as regardless of his claims, and when he 
was as yet uncertain what was their fate. Unless 
those claims were answered, he was publickly pled¬ 
ged to go into retirement on his return, to the minds 
of some men perhaps with doubtful dignity, to the for¬ 
feiture of his only object in life, and to the rendering 
utterly useless all his habits of living. To this, how¬ 
ever, he was equal. But “a wounded spirit who can 
bear ?” The Bonne Citoyenne however did not come 
out; and as far as may be infered from the fate of the 
Peacock , a vessel equal in force to the Bonne Cit¬ 
oyenne , there was no rashness in giving this challenge, 
since, had she come out, her fate, in all human prob¬ 
ability had been the same. But she saved her money 
and lost her credit. The challenge declined was 
pronounced by high authority “a victory gained.” 
But the character of James Lawrence not to be 
left to any constructive victory, however fair the con¬ 
struction. On his way home he fell in with the Pea¬ 
cock , which in less than 15* minutes he compelled to 
make signs of distress as her signal for surrender ; and, 
to his eternal honor be it recorded, lost more men in 
saving, than in conquering the enemy. One man only 
was killed in the battle. Three of his “brave fel¬ 
lows” went down in attempting to save the vanquish¬ 
ed from the sinking vessel. 

* It is said that Capt. L. stated in conversion, on his last visit to this town, that 
the interval between firing his first shot and the Peacock's hoisting her flag, union 
down, was only 11 minutes by the watch ; but as his clerk had got it down 15, he 
thought that time short enough, and would not correct it. This certainly justifi¬ 
ed the statement in the Halifax papers, u that a vessel, moored for the purpose of 
experiment, could not have been sunk sooner.” 

s 



58 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


It is with delight the most exquisite ; with pleasure 
the most elevated ; that we dwell upon incidents like 
these, which have invariable characterized all our na¬ 
val achievements. Truly our ocean heroes are hu¬ 
manely glorious. Such has been their humanity, it 
is difficult to say, whether the enemy have more of 
dread of their valour as warriours, or of admiration at 
their magnanimity as victors. 

This engagement with the Peacock has been pro¬ 
nounced by Lieut. Ludlow, whom we name with 
pride, and certainly not without sympathy, not to have 
been surpassed “ for brilliancy of design and boldness 
of execution,” by any of all the bold and brilliant 
events, that at sea have distinguished this war. 

Capt. Lawrence was as amiable in his private, as 
he was admirable in his professional life.* The do¬ 
mestic were in the same circle with the ocean virtues, 
each heightening the charm of the others. As a hus¬ 
band, such was the ardour of his affection, that there 
is a sacredness in the griefs of the chief mourner of 
his country upon which we dare not suffer even our 
sympathies abruptly to intrude. As a Christian, his 
proof of faith in our Father in Heaven was love to 
every brother upon earth. Reduced foreigners in our 
own metropolis realized the munificence of his private 
charity. As a companion, he looked on you only to 
smile, and with that blandness which is characteristic 
of child-like simplicity. If in him the gentleman for¬ 
got not the sailor, the sailor certainly ever remember¬ 
ed the gentleman. As a citizen, believing order to 
be “heaven’s first law,” and content with filling up 
completely his own department, he left to civilians the 
civil. To political opinions he had however a right, 
which he exercised without disguise. But satisfied 
that it must forever be patriotism to fight for one’s 
country, he desired no better naval creed than Blake’s 

* With a heart of a most magnanimous texture, the lamented Lawrence took 
under his particular care a youth, whose father being killed in the Peacock , was 
left an orphan, bereaved of parents, and had it not been for our hero, would have 
been left in his tender years exposed to the shocks of a boisterous world. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


59 


under Cromwell. “It is still our duty to fight for our 
country, into ivhat hands soever the government may 
fall." 

The funeral solemnities of Capt. Lawrence took 
place abroad. 

‘ By strangers honor’d and by strangers mourn'd /* 

His enemies were his mourners; or rather the ene¬ 
mies of his country; for personal enemies Lawrence 
had none. The tears of Britons evinced how much 
rather they would have shewn homage to his person, 
than respectful attention to his remains. That flag, 
from which he had parted but with life, was restored 
to him in death. 

11 His signal once, but now his shroud! ”* 

The publication of the subsequent is due to the 
memory of the heroes, who on that disastrous day, so 
gallantly sacrificed their lives for their country. 

The members of the court were Com. Bainbridge, 
and Captains Hull and Smith, names indentified with 
chivalry, and dear to Americans; and their report con¬ 
tains the only authentic account of the engagement 
with the Shannon. 

Capt. Lawrence's sailing orders were peremptory; 
and when the enemy hove in sight, the Chesapeake's 
crew were mutinous, on account of the non-payment 
prize-money. The commander could not have diso¬ 
beyed his orders with impunity; and mutiny was 
to be overawed by energy. He passed the day in 
preparation for action, and in the encouragement of 
his men; and before night-fall, the whole ship was an¬ 
imated with his heroic soul. 

The unexampled destruction of the Guerriere was 

* We would have every opportunity improved of being just to an enemy. As 
Capt. Broke had not his senses till after his arrival at Halifax; and as his 1st lieu¬ 
tenant was killed in the action, the command of two frigates devolving upon a 2d 
lieutenant at a time when the precise extent of the injury to either could not be 
ascertained, and when each was a sort of human slaughter house; his paramount, 
if not his only duty was to make the best of his way to Halifax, especially as 
Capt. Lawrence was so badly wounded, that his end might have been accelerated 
by any attempt at removing him out of the .vessel. The utmost then in their 
power to do in this case, has been done, and done well. 



60 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


accomplished in less than 18 minutes, and the van¬ 
quished ship had 63 killed and wounded. One third 
more metal is thrown by the Constitution's than the 
Chesapeake’s broadside; and the Shannon was so cut 
in her hull, by eight minutes’ broadsiding, that it was 
with difficulty she could be kept afloat during the 
night; and she numbered 88 killed and wounded. It 
has been truly remarked, “ that the world never wit¬ 
nessed so destructive a fire from so limited a broad¬ 
side in so short a space.” Lawrence fell! and the re¬ 
mainder of the fight, if fight it may be called, was as 
disgraceful as the first eight minutes were brilliant. 
The moment after Capt. Lawrence was carried below, 
Capt. Broke boarded our quarter deck at the head of 
20 men. Nothing but desperation could have promp¬ 
ted or justified the measure. Lieut. Budd, the sen¬ 
ior officer, bad now gained the spar deck, where there 
were, with those who had come up, from 60 to 75 well 
men. No attempt was made to bring more men from 
the gun-deck, and none on the spar deck to rally the 
men and charge the boarders. This melancholy 
pause continued, as Mr. Buddhas testified, 3minutes. 
In the mean time, Capt. Broke, without making any 
attack, had collected near 100 men, and proceeded to 
the attack on the starboad side of the ship. Mr. 
Budd now perceived a British uniform, and conclud¬ 
ed that the men on the quarter deck were the enemy, 
at whose approach our men fled to the forecastle, pre¬ 
cipitated themselves through the fore hatchway to the 
gun-deck, and from thence to the birth-deck, without 
an effort to prevent them. A few only of the enemy 
were killed or wounded by involuntary and accidental 
blows, and the fire from the tops; and he continued his 
unresisted havoc, till not a man was left on either deck. 
Although Lawrence was prostrate, his soul w r as in 
arms. From the cockpit he issued his memorable 
orders—“ keep the guns going”—“fight her till she 
strikes or sinks ”—and when he knew that the enemy 
had carried the spar deck, he sent the emphatic mes¬ 
sage to the gun deck, “ don’t give up the ship.” 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


61 


When he was apprised of the issue, he only remarked, 

44 then the officers of the deckhav'nt toed the mark— 
the Shannon was whip’d when I left.” 

The officer-like conduct of this gallant martyr, on 
this day, has been impeached by some of the survivors 
of that dreadful conflict. The inevitable disadvantages 
under which he fought a superior ship, perfectly pre¬ 
pared; the chivalry with which he courted the con¬ 
test; and the brilliancy of it before he fell, should alone 
rescue his memory from censure. Cruel sacrilege 
to profane the sanctuary of the tomb to shield living 
defection from merited disgrace ! Every witness up¬ 
on the court-martial, under a close cross-examination, 
not only repelled the foul slander, but decidedly es¬ 
tablished his high character as a commander. 

In a very unreserved conversation, Com. Decatur, 
with whom Capt. Lawrence had served much, was 
asked , “ whether his intrinsic merit as an officer, jus¬ 
tified the enthusiastic veneration in which the nation 
held his memory? ” After a short pause he answer¬ 
ed, “ yes, sir, it did; and the fellow died as well as 
he lived; but it is a part of a soldier's life to die well, 
lie had no talk; but he inspired all about him with ar¬ 
dour : he always saw the best thing to be done; he 
knew the best way to execute it; and had no more 
dodge in him than the mainmast,” Laudcitum est , a 
laudato viro. This vindication is due to the ashes of 
the inured patriot. 

When the ill starred fortunes of this ship are recal¬ 
led to memory; when we recollect that her deck was 
the death scene of our favourte hero, with victory al¬ 
most in his grasp, we involuntary adopt the language 
of Milton's monody upon his shipwrecked friend,— 

“ It was that fatal and perfidious bark ; 

“ Built in the eclipse ; and rigged with curses dark ; 

“ That sunk so low that sacred head of thine ; 7 

REPORT. 

The court are unanimously of opinion, that the 
Chesapeake was gallantly carried into action by her 


62 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


late brave commander ; and no doubt rests with the 
court from comparison of the injury respectively sus¬ 
tained by the frigates, that the fire of the Chesapeake 
was much superior to that of the Shannon. The 
Shannon being much cut in her spars and rigging, 
and receiving many shot in and below the water line 
was reduced almost to a sinking condition, after only 
a few minutes cannonading from the Chesapeake ; 
while the Chesapeake was comparatively uninjured. 
And the court have no doubt, if the Chesapeake had 
not accidentally fallen on board the Shannon , and the 
Shannon's anchor got foul in the after quarter port of 
the Chesapeake , the Shannon must have very soon sur¬ 
rendered or sunk. 

It appears to the court, that as the ships were get¬ 
ting foul, Capt Lawrence ordered the boarders to be 
called ; but the bugle man, Wm. Brown, stationed to 
call the boarders by sounding a bugle, had deserted 
his quarters, and when discovered and ordered to call, 
was unable, from fright, to sound his horn ; that mid¬ 
shipmen went below immediately to pass the word for 
the boarders ; but not being called in the way they had 
been usually exercised, few came upon the upper deck; 
confusion prevailed ; a greater part of the men deser¬ 
ted their quarters, and ran below. It appears also to 
the court, that when the Shannon got foul of the Ches¬ 
apeake , Capt. Lawrence, his 1st lieutenant, the sailing 
master, and lieutenant of marines were all killed or 
mortally wounded, and thereby the upper deck of the 
Chesapeake was left without any commanding officer, 
and with only one or two young midshipmen. It also 
appears to the court, that previously to the ships get¬ 
ting foul, many of the Chesapeake's spar deck division 
had been killed and wounded, and the number station¬ 
ed on that deck thereby considerably reduced; that 
these being left without a commissioned officer, or even 
a warrant officer, except one or two inexperienced, 
midshipmen, and not being supported by the boarders 
from the gun deck, almost universally deserted their 
quarters. And the enemy, availing himself of this de- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


63 


fenceless state of the Chesapeake's upper deck, board¬ 
ed and obtained possession of the ship with very little 
opposition. 

From this view of the engagement and careful ex¬ 
amination of the evidence, the court are unanimously 
of opinion, that the capture of the late United States 
frigate Chesapeake , was occasioned by the following 
causes ; the almost unexampled early fall of Capt. 
Lawrence, and all the principal officers ; the bugle- 
man’s desertion of his quarters, and inability to sound 
his horn; for the court are of opinion if the horn had 
been sounded when first ordered, the men being then 
at their quarters, the boarders would have promptly re¬ 
paired to the spar deck, probably have prevented the 
enemy from boarding—certainly have repelled them, 
and might have returned the boarding with success ; 
and the failure of the boarders on both decks to rally 
on the spar deck, after the enemy had boarded, which 
might have been done successfully, it is believed from 
the cautious manner in which the enemy came on 
board. 

The court cannot, however, perceive in this almost 
unexampled concurrence of disastrous circumstances 
that the national flag has suffered any dishonour from 
the capture of the United States frigate Chesapeake , 
by the superior force of the British trigate Shannon , 
of 52 carriage guns, and 398 men. Nor do this court 
apprehend that the result of this engagement will in 
the least discourage our brave seamen from meeting 
the enemy hereafter on equal terms. 

The court being also charged to inquire into the con¬ 
duct of the officers and men during and after the en¬ 
gagement, and thereupon having strictly examined and 
maturely considered the evidence as recorded, do find 
the following causes of complaint: 

First. Against Lieut. Cox; that being stationed in 
command of the second division on the main deck, he 
left his division during the action, while his men were 
at their quarters, and went upon the upper deck ; that 
when there and the enemy boarding, or on the point of 


64 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


boarding, he left the deck to assist Capt. Lawrence be¬ 
low, went down with him from the spar deck to the 
birth deck; did not return to his division, but went 
forward on the gun deck ; that while here and the men 
retreating below, he commanded them to go to their du¬ 
ty without enforcing his commands. But as a court 
of inquiry allows an accused person no opportunity of 
vindicating his conduct, the members of this court 
trust that their opinion on the conduct of Lieut. Cox, 
may not be deemed conclusive against him, without 
trial by court martial. 

Second. Against Midshipman Forrest; that he left 
his quarters during the action, and did not return to 
them, and now assigns no reason for his conduct sat¬ 
isfactory to this court. 

Third. Against Midshipman Freshman ; that he 
behaved in an unofficer-like manner at Halifax, assum¬ 
ing a false name at the office of commissary of pris¬ 
oners, when obtaining his parole, and was paroled by 
the name of William Brown. 

Fourth. Against the crew generally ; that they de¬ 
serted their quarters, and ran below after the ships were 
foul, and the enemy boarded. But it appearing that 
they behaved well at their quarters before, and fired 
on the enemy with great rapidity and precision, the 
court ascribe their misconduct to the confusion natu¬ 
rally incident to the early loss of their officers, and the 
omission of the call of boarders in the accustomed 
manner. 

Yet this court is very far from exculpating those 
who are thus criminal. It is unable to designate by 
name all the individuals who thus abandoned their du¬ 
ty, because most of the officers had recently joined the 
ship, some only a few r days preceding the engagement, 
and of course could not distinguish the men. The 
court, therefore, respectfully submit to higher author¬ 
ity, the expediency of withholding the wages of the 
crew. The persons whom the court are able to de¬ 
signate by name, as deserters from their stations, are 
William Brown, bugleman, Joseph Russel, captain of 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


65 


second gun, Peter Frost and John Joyce, seamen. 

The court further find, that the following persons en¬ 
tered the British service at Halifax, viz. Henry En¬ 
sign, Peter John, Andrew Simpson, Peter Langrun, 
Magness Sparring, Joseph Galla, Martin Anderson, 
Francis Paris, John White, boy, Thomas Arthur, 
Charles Reynolds, John Pierce jun. Andrew Den¬ 
ham, Thomas Jones, Charles Goodman, Joseph Anto¬ 
nio, Christopher Stevens, Charles Bowden, Clias. 
Westbury, Joseph Smith, George Williams, and 
George Cordell. 

The court further find and report, that William 
Wainwright, William Worthington, and James Par¬ 
ker, the last of whom was born in Salem, Massachu- 
sets, were claimed by the enemy as British subjects, 
and sent on board of the enemy's ships of war. 

This court respectfully beg leave to superadd, that 
unbiassed by any illiberal feelings towards the enemy, 
they feel it their duty to state, that the conduct of the 
enemy after, boarding and carrying the Chesapeake , 
was a most unwarrantable abuse of power after success* 

The court is aware that in carrying a ship by board¬ 
ing the full extent of the command of an officer can¬ 
not be readily exercised ; and that improper violence 
may unavoidably ensue. When this happens in the 
moment of contention, a magnanimous conquered foe 
will not complain. But the fact has been clearly es¬ 
tablished before this court, that the enemy met with 
little opposition on the upper deck, and none on the 
gun-deck. Yet after they had carried the ship, they 
fired from the gun-deck down the hatchway upon the 
birth-deck, and killed and wounded several of the 
Chesapeake 1 s crew, who had retreated there, were un¬ 
armed and incapable of making any opposition ; that 
some balls were fired even into the cockpit: and what 
excites the utmost abhorrence, this outrage was com¬ 
mitted in the presence of a British officer standing at 
the hatchway. 

W. BA1NBR1DGE, President. 


9 


66 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Thefollowing is a copy of the letter , denominated a chal¬ 
lenge,sent from the commander of the British frigate 
Shannon to the commander of the American fri¬ 
gate Chesapeake. Capt. Lawrence sailed before this 
letter reached Boston. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. BROKE TO CAPT. LAWRENCE. 

His Britanic Majesty’s ship Shannon , 
Sir, Off Boston , June , 1813. 

As the Chesapeake appears now ready for sea, I re¬ 
quest you will do me the favor to meet the Shannon 
with her, ship to ship, to try the fortune of our re¬ 
spective flags. To an officer of your character, it re¬ 
quires some apology for proceeding to further partic¬ 
ulars. Be assured, sir, that it is not from any doubt 
I can entertain of your wishing to close with my pro¬ 
posals, but merely to provide an answer to any 
objection which might be made, and very reasonable, 
upon the chance of our receiving unfair support. 

After the diligent attention which we had paid to 
Com.Rodgers; the pains I took to detach all force but 
the Shannon and Tenedos to such a distance that they 
could not possibly join in any action fought in sight of 
the Capes ; and the various verbal messages which 
had been sent into Boston to that effect; we were 
much disappointed to find the commodore had eluded 
us by sailing on the first chance, after the prevailing 
easterly winds had obliged us to keep an offing from 
the coast. He perhaps wished for some stronger as¬ 
surance of a fair meeting. I am therefore induced to 
address you more particularly, and to assure you, that 
what I write I pledge my honor to perform to the ut¬ 
most of my power. The Shannon mounts twenty- 
four guns upon her broadside, and one light boat gun; 
eighteen pounders on her main deck, and thirty-two 
pound carronades on her quarter deck and forecastle ; 
and is manned with a complement of three hundred 
men and boys (a large proportion of the latter,) be¬ 
sides thirty seamen, boys and passengers, who were 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


67 


taken out of re-captured vessels lately. I am thus 
minute, because a report has prevailed in some of the 
Boston papers that we had one hundred and fifty men 
additional, lent us from La Hogue , which really was 
never the case. La Hogue is now gone to Halifax for 
provisions, and I will send all other ships beyond the 
power of interfering with us, and will meet you wher¬ 
ever it is most agreeable to you : From six to ten 
leagues east of Cape Cod Light House, from eight to 
ten leagues east of Cape Ann Light on Cashe's 
Ledge in lat. 43 o N. at any bearing and distance you 
please to fix off the south breakers of Nantucket, or 
the shoals off St. George's Bank. 

If you will favor me with any plan of signals or 
telegraph, I will warn you (if sailing under this prom¬ 
ise) should any of my friends be too nigh or any where 
in sight, until I can detach them out of the way, or I 
would sail with you under a flag of truce to any 
place you think safest from our cruisers, hauling it 
down when fair to begin hostilities. 

You must, sir, be aware that my proposals are high¬ 
ly advantageous to you, as you cannot proceed to sea 
singly in the Chesapeake without imminent risk of be¬ 
ing crushed by the superior force of the numerous 
British squadrons which are now abroad, where all 
your efforts, in case of rencontre, would however gal¬ 
lant, be perfectly hopeless. I entreat you, sir, not to 
imagine that I am urged by mere personal vanity to 
the wish of meeting the Chesapeake; or that I de¬ 
pend only upon your personal ambition for your ac¬ 
ceding to this invitation : we have both higher and no¬ 
bler motives. You will feel it as a compliment if I 
say, that the result of our meeting may be the most 
grateful service I can render to my country; and I 
doubt not that you, equally confident of success, will 
feel convinced, that it is only by repeated triumphs in 
even combats that your little navy can now hope to 
console your country for the loss of that trade it can 
no longer protect. Favor me with a speedy reply. 


68 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


We are short of provisions and water, and cannot 
stay long here. 

[ have the honor to be, sir, 

your obedient humble servant. 

(Signed ) P. B. V. BROKE, 

Capt. of H. B. M. ship Shannon. 

N. B. For the general service of watching your 
coast, it is requisite for me to keep another ship in 
company, to support me with her guns and boats 
when employed near the land, particularly to aid each 
other if either ship in chase should get on shore. 

You must be aware that I cannot, consistently with 
my duty, wave so great an advantage for this general 
service by detaching my consort, without any assur¬ 
ance on your part, of meeting me directly; and that 
you will neither seek or admit aid from any other of 
your armed vessels, if I detach mine expressly for the 
sake of meeting you.—Should any special order re¬ 
strain you from thus answering a formal challenge, 
you may yet oblige me by keeping my proposal a se¬ 
cret, and appointing any place you like to meet us 
(within 300 miles of Boston) in any given number of 
days after you sail; as, unless you agree to an inter¬ 
view, I may be busied on other service, and perhaps 
be at a distance from Boston when you go to sea. 
Choose your terms—but let us meet. 

To the Commander of the United 
States frigate Chesapeake. 

ENDORSEMENT ON THE ENVELOP. 

We have thirteen American prisoners on board, 
which I will give you for as many British sailors, if 
you will send them out, otherwise being privateersmen, 
they must be detained 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


69 


ARGUS AND PELICAN. 

Extract of a letter from James Inderwick , surgeon 
of the late United States brig Argus , to the Secre- 
tary of the Navy. 

Boston , September 5, 1814. 
Having been appointed by Com. Decatur, as act¬ 
ing surgeon onboard the late United States brig Argus, 
a short time previous to her departure from New- 
York, and having served in that capacity until the un¬ 
fortunate termination of her cruise ; I was, with her 
surviving officers, detained as a prisoner of war, on 
parole, in England. I have now, Sir, however, the 
honor of reporting to you my arrival on the the 3d 
inst. at this port, in the cartel ship Saratoga , having 
at length obtained my release and passport as a non- 
combatant. As Lieut. Watson, our surviving com¬ 
manding officer, has been unable, under parole re¬ 
strictions, to transmit any official documents, relative 
to the action and capture of the Argus , I have the 
honor to enclose, for your information, a report of the 
casualties attending that event. I regret that I have 
not yet been able to furnish the wounded with regu¬ 
lar certificates ; it was impossible without personal 
communication with them to obtain the information 
necessary to the filling up the blanks, with the precis¬ 
ion, enforced by the orders of your honorable depart¬ 
ment. 

The list of killed and wounded, as given by Dr. 
Inderwick, is omitted, as a more complete account is 
given by Lieut. Watson, in his official letter. 

Letter from Lieut Watson , 1 st of the late United, 
States brig Argus , to the Secretary of the Navy. 
Sir, Norfolk , March 2 , 1815. 

Cirumstances during my residence inEngland having 
heretofore prevented my attention to the painful duty 
which devolved on me by the death of my gallant com¬ 
mander, Capt. Wm. H. Allen, of the late U. S. brig 
Argus , I have now the honor to state for your infor¬ 
mation, that having landed the Minister Plenipoten- 


70 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tiary (Mr. Crawford) and suite at 1/Orient, we pro¬ 
ceeded on the cruise which had been directed by the 
department, and after capturing twenty vessels (a list 
of the names and other particulars of which I have 
the honor to enclose,) being in lat. 52° 15' N. long. 
5° 50' W. on the 14th Aug. 1813, we discovered at 
4 o’clock A. M. a large brig of war standing down 
under a press of sail upon our weather quarter, the 
wind being at south, and the Argus close hauled on 
the starboard tack: we immediately prepared to re¬ 
ceive her ; and at 30 minutes after 4, being unable to 
get the weather gage, we shortened sail, and gave her 
an opportunity of closing. At 6, the brig having dis¬ 
played English colours, we hoisted our flag ; wore 
round, and gave her the larboard broadside (be¬ 
ing at this time within grape distance) which was re¬ 
turned, and the action commenced within the range of 
musketry. At 4 minutes after 6, Capt. Allen was 
wounded, and the enemy shot away our main braces, 
main spring-stay, gaff, and trysail-mast. At 8 min¬ 
utes after 6, Capt Allen, being much exhausted by the 
loss of blood, was taken below. At 12 minutes after 
6, lost our spritsail-yard and the principle part of the 
standing rigging on the larboard side of the foremast. 
At this time I received a wound on the head from a 
grape shot, which for a time rendered me incapable of 
attending to duty, and was carried below ; I had, 
however, the satisfaction of recollecting on my recov¬ 
ery, that nothing which the most gallant exertions 
could effect, would be left undone by Lieut. W. H. 
Allen^ jun. who succeeded to the command of the 
deck. 

Lieut. Allen reports, at 14 minutes after 6, the 
enemy being in our weather quarter, edged off, for the 
purpose of getting under our stern, but the Argus 
luffed close to, with the main topsail aback, and giv¬ 
ing him a raking broadside, frustrated his attempt. 
At 18 minutes after 6, the enemy shot away our pre¬ 
venter, main-braces and main-topsail-tye; and the 
Argus having lost the use of her after sails, fell on 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


71 


before the wind, when the enemy succeeded in pas¬ 
sing our stern, and ranged on the starboard side. At 
25 minutes after 6, the wheel ropes and running rig¬ 
ging of every discription being shot away, the Argus 
became unmanageable; and the enemy, not having 
sustained any apparent damage, had it completely in 
his power to choose a position,and continued to play up¬ 
on our starboard quarter, occasionally shifting his sit¬ 
uation, until 30 minutes after 6, when I returned to 
the deck, the enemy being under our stern, within 
pistol shot, where she continued to rake us until 38 
minutes after 6, when we prepared to board, but, in 
consequence of our shattered condition, were unable 
to effect it; the enemy then passed our broadside, and 
took a position on our starboard bow. From this 
time until 47 minutes after 6, we were exposed to a 
cross or raking fire, without being able to oppose but 
little more than musketry to the broadside of the ene¬ 
my, our guns being much disabled and seldom brought 
to bear. 

The Argus having now suffered much, in hull and 
rigging, as also in killed and wounded, among the 
former of whom (exclusive of our gallant captain) we 
have to lament the loss of two meritorious young offi¬ 
cers in Midshipmen Delphy and Edwards ; and being 
exposed to a galling fire, which from the enemy’s a- 
bility to manage his vessel, we could not avoid, 1 
deemed it necessary to surrender, and was taken pos¬ 
session of by his Britannic majesty’s sloop the Pelican , 
of twenty-one carriage guns, viz. sixteen 32 pound 
carronades, four long 6’s, and one 12 pound carronade. 
I hope this measure will meet your approbation, and 
that the result of this action, when the superior size 
and metal of our opponent, and the fatigue which the 
crew, &/C, of the Argus underwent from a very rapid 
succession of captures, is considered, will not be 
thought unworthy of the flag under which we serve. 

I have the honor to inclose a list of killed and woun¬ 
ded, and feel great satisfaction in reporting the general 
good conduct of the meritorious officers engaged on 


72 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


this occasion, and particularly the zeal and activity 
displayed by Lieut. Allen, who you will observe for a 
time commanded on deck. 

I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect, 
your obedient servant, 

Hon. B. Crowninshield, W. H. WATSON, 
Sec’y of the navy. Late of the U. S. brig Argus. 

Killed. Richard Delphy, Wm. W. Edwards, mid¬ 
shipman ; Joshua Jones, Wm. Finley, Wm. Knowl- 
ton, George Gardner, seamen. 

Died of their wounds. William II. Allen, 
captain; James White, carpenter; Joseph Jordan, 
boatswain’s mate; Francis Eggert, and Charles Huck¬ 
ster, seamen. 

Wounded. William H. Watson, 1st lieutenant; 
Colin M’Leod, boatswain ; John Sniffer, carpenter’s 
mate; John Young, quarter master; and eight sea¬ 
men. 

During a few weeks preceding the loss of the Argus , 
she had captured 23 British vessels, of various sizes, 
some of great value. 

The tonage of the Argus* is given as follows; 

Length of keel for tonnage 80 feet, 



Breadth of beam do. 28 do. 


Depth of hold do. 12 ft. 8in. ) 

A London paper has the following: the Pelican brig 
of 18 guns, which so nobly captured the Argus sloop 
or war, was commanded by Capt. Searle, when she 
beat the French frigate Medea, of 44 guns, into Guad- 
aloupe, after an action of two hours in the year 


1799. 


FUNERAL OF CAPT. ALLEN. 


At Plymouth Eng. on the 21st of August, was 
interred with military honors, William Henry Allen, 
Esq. late commander of the United States sloop of 
war Argus , who lost his left leg in an action with 
his Majesty’ sloop of war Pelican , J. F. Maples Esq. 


* Built in Boston, by Mr. Edmund Hart. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


73 


captain, in St. George’s Channel on the 14th; of 
which wound he died in the Mill-prison Hospital, on 
the 18th following. 

The procession left Mill-prison at 12 o’clock: the 
coffin was covered with a velvet pall, on which was 
spread the American ensign, under which the action 
was fought, and upon which the hat and sword of the 
deceased were laid. On the coffin being removed to 
the hearse, the guard saluted ; and when deposited in 
the hearse the procession moved forward, the band 
playing the “ Dead March in Saul.” On arrival, 
near the church, the guard clubbed arms, single files 
inward, through which the procession passed to the 
church, into which the corpse was carried and placed 
in the centre aisle, while the funeral services were 
read by the Rev. Vicar; after which it was removed 
and interred in the south yard (passing through the 
guard in the same order from as to the church,) on the 
right of Mr. Delphy, midshipman of the Argus , who 
lost both legs in the same action, and was buried the 
preceeding evening. 

ORDER OF PROCESSION. 

Guard of Honor. 

Lieut. Col. of Royal Marines, 
with two companies of that corps. 

The Captains,Subalterns,and field Adjutants,(Officers 
with hat bands and scarfs.) 

Royal Marine Band. 

Vicar and Curate of St. Andrew’s. 

Clerk of ditto. 

THE HEARSE 

With the corpse of the diseased Captain, 
attended by eight seamen, late of the Argus , with 
crape round their arms, tied with white crape ribbons ; 
Also, eight British Captains of the Royal Navy, as 
Pall bearers, 

With hat bands and scarfs. 

Captain Allen,s servants in mourning. 

10 


74 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The Officers, late of th e Argus, in uniform, with crape 
sashes, and hat bands, two and two. 

John Hawker Esq. late American Vice-Consul, 
and his Clerks. 

Captain Pellowe, Commissioner for Prisoners of war. 
Dr. McGrath, Chief Medical Officer at Mill-prison 
Depot. 

Captains of the Royal Navy in port, two and two. 

Marine and Army Officers, two and two. 

Servants of the American Officers, two and two. 
Followed by a very numerous and respectable retinue 
of Inhabitants. 

EXTRACT FROM THE BRITISH NAVAL CHRONICLE. 

“ As several misstatements have appeared in the 
public prints relative to the death of the late Capt. Al¬ 
len, we subjoin the following particulars, communica¬ 
ted to us by a friend, which may be depended on : 
Capt. Allen’s left thigh was amputated by his own 
surgeon, in a very proper manner, about three quar¬ 
ters of an hour after the close of the action.—On the 
morning after the arrival of the Argus, (Tuesday,) 
the chief medical officer from Mill-prison attended 
him, and soon discovered, that dangerous symptoms, 
which had escaped the observation of his surgeon, 
who thought favourably of his situation, were insidious¬ 
ly approaching, and accordingly communicated his ap¬ 
prehensions, and recommended such remedies as were 
deemed advisable. In the evening he was again visi¬ 
ted, when the prognostic given in the morning was 
found too visibly verified. On the following day his 
symptoms were much aggravated, and his immediate 
removal to Mill-prison Hospital was strongly recom¬ 
mended, in order to obtain the most prompt remedies, 
and where he might have all the care and attention his 
situation demanded. He arrived about noon; but in 
spite of every effort, gradually sunk, until he breathed 
his last, about 11 o’clock that night, during which pe¬ 
riod he was never left by his physician. We under¬ 
stand he was not conscious of the danger of his situa- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


75 


tion, but conversed familiarly with those present with 
him until about three quarters of an hour before he 
died. His death was conceived to he chiefly occasion¬ 
ed by the great loss of blood which he sustained pre¬ 
vious to amputation, by his persisting in remaining 
on deck after he was wounded. Throughout the whole, 
he bore his sufferings with that manly, determined for¬ 
titude and composure, which might be expected of a 
brave and gallant officer, and never once complained 
of pain ; but his mind constantly dwelt on the loss of 
his ship, which he regretted in the most feeling and 
manly manner. In person he was about six feet high, 
a model of symmetry and manly comeliness, and in his 
manner and conversation a highly finished and accom¬ 
plished gentleman. 

William Henry Allen* was an officer, no less dis¬ 
tinguished by his bravery, than the uniform courtesy 
and amenity of his manners. In ordinary life we dis¬ 
covered nothing of those high qualities, for which, in 
the hour of danger, he was found to be so preeminent. 
He relaxed into all the mildness of the polished and 
amiable gentleman, stated his opinions with modesty, 
and carefully abstained from irritating or insulting 
language. His conversation, although peculiarly un¬ 
ostentatious, was luminous and instructive, and com¬ 
bined the elegance of a scholar with the sound prac¬ 
tical sense of a man of intercourse with the world. 
He studied naval tactics as a science, and laboured to 
adorn and decorate the stern and masculine character 
of the sailor, with the milder graces and softer embel¬ 
lishments. In this he succeeded completely, and was 
capable of turning to the view the stern and intrepid 
side of his character, or the milder and more amiable, 
as occasion required. In his friendships he was ardent 
and constant. All these advantages were rendered 
still more conspicuous by a noble masculine deport¬ 
ment, and the fine forms which he inherited from nature 
A stranger in his company,and perfectly ignorant of his 
character, would find his heart drawn powerfully to- 


*Lieut. Allen was a native of Rhode Island. 



76 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


wards hiih, by the predominant and pervading sympa¬ 
thy, which such endearing qualities excite. He would 
be disposed to converse more with him, and to culti¬ 
vate his friendship. Every hour he would feel this at¬ 
tachment growing stronger, as the varied excellences 
of his character were disclosed in succession. Such 
was William Henry Allen. He had adorned his 
name by his bravery, which was so conspicuous in the 
affair of the Macedonian. This enlarged his ideas 
and made him pant for fame, that last infirmity of no¬ 
ble minds. He has fallen, indeed, but for all the 
purposes of life he had lived long enough. He had 
enjoyed the confidence of his county, and died in the 
performance of his duty. This humble wreath is not 
less a tribute to individual friendship, than to justice. 

The following is from ab Irish news-paper. 

It would be injustice not to notice the excellent con¬ 
duct of Capt. Allen, of the Argus. He allowed the 
passengers and crews of the Betsey and Mariner to 
remove every article of their private property,and in or¬ 
der that they might have liberty to do so, he would 
not suffer one of his officers or crew to be present be¬ 
low, whilst they were employed in packing up their 
effects. Capt. Gilbert, of the Mariner , had left some 
articles of cabin furniture behind, which Capt. Allen 
sent after him in his boat. A great coat, belonging to 
an officer of one of the captured ships, was missing, 
and it was found in the possession of one of the crew 
of the Argus. Capt. Allen immediately ordered the 
man to be tied up, and he actually received a severe 
flogging. Considerable sums in specie were saved by 
the passengers, as Capt. Allen would not allow his 
men to touch a single article. 

COURT OF INQUIRY. 

The following decision and opinion of the court of 
inquiry, convened at Baltimore, in April last, to in¬ 
vestigate the causes of the loss of the Argus , have been 
received and approved by the secretary of the navy. 








• 











T 

' . 










THE ENTERPRIZE AND BOXER. 




















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


77 


The court, in pursuance of the authority by which 
they were convened, having carefully examined into 
the causes of the loss by capture of the U. S. sloop of 
war Argus , under the command of the late W. H. 
Allen, master commandant in the navy of the United 
States, and also into the conduct of the officers and 
crew of the said sloop of war, before and after her sur¬ 
render to the enemy’s ship Pelican , and having mature¬ 
ly deliberated upon all the testimony, they find the 
following facts : 

1. It is proved, that in the number of her crew, and 
in the number and calibre of her guns, the Pelican 
was decidedly superiour to the Argus. 

2. They find that the crew of the Argus was very 
much exhausted by the continued and extraordinary 
fatigue and exposure to which they had been subjec¬ 
ted for several weeks, and particularly for twenty four 
hours immediately preceding the action. 

3. They find that every officer and man of the Ar¬ 
gus , (with the exception of one man, Jacob Allister, 
and one boy, Hendrick ) made use of every practicable 
exertion to capture the British sloop of war Pelican. 

They are therefore of opinion, that every officer 
and man, with the exception before mentioned, dis¬ 
played throughout the engagement, a zeal, activity, 
and spirit in defence of the vessel and flag committed 
to their protection, which entitles them to the undi¬ 
minished confidence and respect of their government 
and fellow citizens, and do therefore honorably acquit 
them. 


ENTERPRXZE AND BOXER. 

LETTER FROM COM. BAINBRJDGE TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

Boston September 7, 1813. 
The enclosed letters will give you the information 
of a brilliant victory, gained by the United States 
brig Enterprize , over his Britannic Majesty’s brig 
Boxer , of considerable superiority of force. Nothing 



78 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


that I can say would add to the lustre of the gallant 
action, which so decidedly speaks for itself. But I 
cannot restrain my deep regret for the loss of so val¬ 
uable an officer as the brave Lieut. Burrows. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, 
your obedient servant, 

Hon. William Jones, W. BAINBRIDGE. 

Sec’y of the navy. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. HULL TO THE SEc’y OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Portland , September 7, 1813 

I had the honor last evening to forward you, by ex¬ 
press, through the hands of Com. Bainbridge, a let¬ 
ter, received from Samuel Storer Esq. navy agent at 
this place, detailing an account of the capture of the 
British brig Boxer , by the United States brig Enter- 
prize. 

I now have to inform you, that I left Portsmouth 
this morning, and have this moment arrived, and, as 
the mail is closing, I have only time to enclose you the 
report of Lt. M’Call, of the Enterprise , and to as¬ 
sure you that a statement of the situation of the two 
vessels, as to the damage they have received, &,c, shall 
be forwarded as soon as surveys can be made The 
Boxer has received much damage in her hull, masts, 
and sails ; indeed it was with difficulty she could be 
kept afloat to get her in. The Enterprize is only in¬ 
jured in her masts and sails. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. William Jones, ISAAC HULL. 

Secr’y of the navy. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

United States brig Enterprize , 
Sir, Portland , Sept. 7, 1813. 

In consequence of the unfortunate death of Lieut. 
William Burrows, late commander of this vessel, it 
devolves, on me to acquaint you with the result of my 
cruise. After sailing from Portsmouth, on the first 
inst. we steered to the eastward ; and on the morning 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


79 


of the 3d, off Wood Island, discovered a schooner, 
which we chased into this harbour where we anchored. 
On the morning of the 4th weighed anchor, and swept 
out, and continued our course to the eastward. Hav¬ 
ing received information of several privateers being- 
off Manhagan, we stood for that place; and on the 
following morning, in the bay near Penguin Point, 
discovered a brig, getting under way, which appeared 
to be a vessel of war, and to which we immediately 
gave chase. She fired several guns, and stood for us, 
having four ensigns hoisted. After reconnoitring and 
discovering her force, and the nation to which she be¬ 
longed, we hauled upon a wind, to stand out of the 
bay, and at 3 o’clock shortened sail, tacked to run 
down, with an intention to bring her to close action. 
At 20 minutes after 3 P. M. when within half pistol 
shot, the firing commenced from both, and after being 
warmly kept up, and with some manceuvering, the en¬ 
emy hailed, and said they had surrendered, about 4 
P. M. their colours being nailed to the masts , could 
not be hauled down . She proved to he his B. M. brig 
Boxer , of 14 guns, Samuel Blythe, Esq. commander, 
who fell in the early part of the engagement, having 
received a cannon shot through the body. And I am 
sorry to add, that Lieut. Burrows, who had gallantly 
led us into action, fell also about the same time by a 
musket ball, which terminated his existance in 8 hours. 

The Enterjirize suffered much in spars and rigging, 
and the Boxer in spars, rigging, and hull, having ma¬ 
ny shots between wind and water. 

It would be doing injustice to the merit of Mr. Til- 
linghast, 2d lieutenant, were I not to mention the able 
assistance I received from him during the remainder 
of the engagement, by his strict attention to his own 
division and other departments, and of the officers and 
crew generally, I am happy to add, their cool and de¬ 
termined conduct have my warmest approbation and 
applause. 

As no muster roll, that can be fully relied on, has 
come into my possession, I cannot exactly state the 


80 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


number killed and wounded on board the Boxer , but 
from information received from the officers of that 
vessel, it appears there were between 20 and 35 killed, 
and 14 wounded. Enclosed is a list of the killed and 
wounded on board the Enterprize. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

EDWARD R. M'CALL, Senior officer. 
Isaac Hull, Esq. Commanding 
naval officer on the eastern station. 

List of killed and wounded on hoard the United States 
brig Enterprize , in the engagement with the Brit¬ 
ish brig Boxer , the 5th of September 1813. 

Killed, Nathaniel Garren, seaman. 

Wounded, William Burrows Esq., commander, 
(since dead ;) Kervin Waters, midshipman, mortally ; 
Elisha Blossom, carpenter's mate, (since dead,) David 
Norton, quartermaster: Russel Coats, do. ; Thomas 
Owings, do. ; Benjamin Gammon, boatswain's mate ; 
four seamen and one marine. 

Killed,!. Wounded, 13. Since dead of wounds, 3 . 

EDWARD R. M'CALL, Senior officer. 

LETTER FROM ISAAC HULL ESQ. TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

U. S. Navy Yard , Portsmouth , 

Sir, September , 14, 1813. 

I have the honor to forward you by mail the flags of 
the late British brig Boxer , which were nailed to her 
mast heads at the time she engaged, and was captured 
by the U. S. brig Enterprize. Great as the pleasure 
is that I derive from performing this part of my duty, 
I need not tell you how different my feelings would 
have been, could the gallant Burrows have had this 
honor. He went into action most gallantly, and the 
difference of injury done the two vessels proves how 
nobly he fought. 

I have the honor to be &,c. 

ISAAC HULL. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


81 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. HULL TO COM. 

BA1NBRIDGE. 

September , 10, 1813. 

“I yesterday visited the two brigs, and was astonish¬ 
ed to see the difference of injury sustained in the ac¬ 
tion. 

The Entcrprize has but one 18 pound shot in her 
hull, and one in her mainmast, and one in her fore¬ 
mast ; her sails are much cut with grape shot, and 
there are a great number of grape lodged in her sides, 
but no injury done by them.—The Boxer has eighteen 
or twenty 18 pound shot in her hull, most of them at 
the water’s edge, several stands of 18 pound grape 
stick in her side, and such a quantity of small grape, 
that I did not undertake to count them. Her masts, 
sails, and spars are literally cut to pieces, several of 
her guns dismounted, and unfit for service; her top¬ 
gallant forecastle nearly taken off by the shot, her 
boats cut to pieces, and her quarters injured in pro¬ 
portion. To give you an idea of the quantity of shot 
about her, I inform you, that I counted in her main¬ 
mast alone three 18 pound shot holes, 18 large grape 
shot holes, 16 musket ball holes, and a large number 
of smaller shot holes, without counting above the cat 
harpins. 

We find it impossible to get at the number killed ; 
no papers are found, by which we can ascertain it. I 
however counted upwards of 90 hammocks, which 
were in her netting with beds in them, besides several 
beds without hammocks ; and she has excellent ac¬ 
commodations for all her officers below in state rooms ; 
so that I have no doubt, that she had 100 men on board. 
We know that she has several of the Rattler's men 
on board, and a quantity of wads was taken out of the 
Rattler , loaded with four large grape shot, with a 
small hole in the centre, to put in a cartridge, that the 
inside of the wad may take fire when it leaves the gun : 
in short, she is in every respect completely fitted, and 
her accomodations exceed any thing I have seen in a 
vessel of her class.” 

11 


82 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Remarks. There have been various opinions res¬ 
pecting the relative force of the vessels ; and some un¬ 
generous attempts have been made to diminish the 
splendor of the victory. The foregoing extracts set¬ 
tle the question of force and skill. It appears, that in 
number of men the enemy were equal; in number of 
guns it is well known the enemy were superior; and 
the vast difference of execution confirms (if confirma¬ 
tion were wanted) the fact of the high degree of the 
superiority of our seamen in the art of gunnery. 

In addition to the particulars officially given we have 
the following from other sources. The Enterprise rates 
as 12 guns, but carries 16, viz. 14 eighteen pound car- 
ronades and 2 long 9s ; her officers and crew consis¬ 
ted of 102 persons, and her burthen is about 265 tons. 
The Boxer rates as a 14 gun brig, but carries ]S, 
viz. sixteen 18 pound carronades, and 2 long 9s ; her 
force, at the time of the action, was 104 men, and her 
burthen is about 300 tons. The first is an old, light 
built vessel, the latter is new and very strong. 

For several days before the Boxer sailed from St. 
John’s, great exertions were made by the government, 
officers, as well as the magistrates of the place, to man 
and equip her in a perfect manner to fight the Enter- 
prize . Capt. Blythe sailed with the most confident 
belief of speedily returning to port, crowned with the 
same laurels, that decked the brow of Broke. 

Soon after the arrival of the Enterprise , and her 
prize at portland, the bodies of the two commanding 
officers, Lieut. Burrows and Capt. Blythe, were 
brought on shore in tenoared barges, rowed at minute 
strokes, by masters of ships, accompanied by most of 
the barges and boats in the harbour, while minute guns 
were fired from the two vessels. A grand procession 
was then formed, which moved through the principle 
streets, to the Rev. Mr. Paysons meeting house, where 
the rites of sepulture were performed, with appropri¬ 
ate music, and from thence to the place of interment. 

The order of procession was as follows : 

Military escort, 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


83 


Composed ot a rifle company and two companies of 
infantry. 

Selectmen of Portland. 

Town Treasurer and Sheriff of the county. 
Town Clerk and other municipal officers. 

The Reverend Clergy. 

Mr. Le Sassier, qq Mr. Shields, 

Mr. O’Neai,, q otf •'! r. Turner, 

CQ “H 

p 

Mr. Tillinghast, pq Mr. M’Call. 

Chief mourners 

Dr. Washington, Capt. Hull. 

Officers of the brig Enterprize. 

Crew of the brig Enterprize. 


Lemuel Weeks, Jun. 
Seth Barnes, 
Joshua Knights, 


Q 

O 

CQ 


w 

w 

" EH 

P 

CQ 


William Merrill, 
James Combs, 

John Alden. 


Officers of the brig Boxer , as mourners, 
and Officers on Parole. 

Crew of the brig Boxer. 

Officers of the United States Navy. 

Ship masters and Mates. 

Marshall of Maine. 

Navy Agent, and 

The late Consul General to the Barbary powers. 
Collector of the Port, and Surveyor. 
Superintendant General of Military Supplies. 
Officers of the Army of the United States. 
Military Officers of the State, in uniform. 
Judges, and other Civil Officers of the United States. 
Members of Congress. 

Judiciary of the Commonwealth. 

Members of the State Legislature. 

Civil Officers of the State. 

Portland Marine Society. 


84 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Presidents, Directors and Officers of the Banks, and 
Insurance offices. 

Citizens in general. 

The funeral was attended with all the honors that 
the civil and military authorities of the place, and the 
great body of the people could bestow. The whole 
scene was strikingly impressive. The bells were toll¬ 
ed, and two companies of artillery fired minute guns, 
which were repeated from forts Preble and Scammel. 

Lieut. Burrows was a young man of uncommon 
worth. He was the son of Col. Burrows, of South 
Carolina, formerly of the marine corps. He lived 
with honor, and died with glory. By his early death * 
his country has lost an able commander, and his two 
surviving sisters a brother, whose excellencies they 
will never cease to remember. He was intelligent, in¬ 
trepid, generous and humane. He was ambitious to 
add lustre to the American navy, and eagerly rushed 
into a combat, which issued in a signal victory over a 
superior force. He received a mortal wound at the 
commencement of the action, but refused to be car¬ 
ried below until the sword of his enemy was presented 
to him. He siezed it with both hands, and exclaim¬ 
ed, “ J am satisfied, I die contented ,” and soon expir¬ 
ed. Of Lieut, M’Call f the public will judge by the 
termination of the fight, and his modest account of it. 

Capt. Blakely, late of the Enterprise, to whom 
certainly some part of the credit is due for the com¬ 
plete discipline of the men, had a short time before 
left that vessel, to superintend the building and fitting 
out of a new sloop of war, which he was to command. 

Capt. Blythe, killed on board the Boxer , had dis¬ 
tinguished himself at the conquest of Cayenne, and 
received of the Prince Regent of England a hand¬ 
some present in money, to purchase a sword or some 
other memorial. His opponent, the invincible Bur¬ 
rows, had little or no experience in the business of a 
battle, and Lieut. M’Call, on whom the command of 
the Enterprise devolved, had never seen a fight. 


*He had just entered his twenty eighth year, 
tLieut. M’Call was a native of South Carolina 





NAVAL MONUMENT. 


85 


BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. PERRY TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Brig Niagara , off the Western Sister, 

Sir, Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 

It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of 
the United States a signal victory over their enemies 
on this lake. The British squadron, consisting of 2 
ships, 2 brigs, 1 schooner, and one sloop, have this 
moment surrendered to the force under my command, 
after a sharp conflict. ♦ 

[ have the honor to be, Sir, very respectfully, 

your obedient servant, 
Hon, William Jones , O. H. PERRY.* 
Sec’y of the navy. 

LETTERS FROM COM. PERRY TO MAJ. GEN. HARRISON. 

U. S. Brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, 
Dear General, Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 

We have met the enemy ; and they are ours! 2 
ships, 2 brigs, 1 schooner, and 1 sloop. 

Yours with great respect and esteem, 

Gen. Harrison. O. H. PERRY. 

Dear Sir, September 11. 1813 

We have a great number of prisoners, which 1 wish 
to land : will you be so good as to order a guard to 
receive them ; and inform me of the place ? Consid¬ 
erable numbers have been killed and wounded on both 
sides. From the best information, we have more 
prisoners than we have men on board our vessels. In 
great haste, 

yours very truly, 

Gen. Harrison. O. IT. PERRY. 


* Com Perry is a native of Newport R- I. and son of Com. Christopher R. 
Perry, who formely commanded the frigate General Green. 



86 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. PERRY TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Schooner Ariel, Put-in-Bay, 

Sir, September 13, 1813. 

In my last I informed you that we had captured the 
enemy’s fleet on this lake. I have now the honor to 
give you the most important particulars of the action. 
On the morning of the 10th instant, at sunrise they 
were discovered from Put-in-Bay, where I lay at an¬ 
chor with the squadron under my command. We got 
under way, the wind light at S. W. and stood for 
them. At 10 A. M. the wind hauled to S. E. and 
brought us to windward : formed the line and bore up. 
At 15 minutes before 12, the enemy commenced fir¬ 
ing ; at 5 minutes before 12, the action commenced on 
our part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing 
to their long guns, and its being mostly directed at 
the Lawrence, I made sail and directed the other ves¬ 
sels to follow for the purpose of closing with the ene¬ 
my. Every brace and bow-line being shot away, she 
became unmanageable, notwithstanding the great ex¬ 
ertions of the sailing master. In this situation she 
sustained the action upwards of 2 hours within cannis- 
ter distance, until every gun was rendered useless, and 
the greater part of her crew either killed or wounded. 
Finding she could no longer annoy the enemy, I left 
her in charge of Lieut. Yarnall, who I was convinced, 
from the bravery already displayed by him, would do 
what would ccfmport with the honor of the flag. At 
half past two, the wind springing up, Capt. Elliott was 
enabled to bring his vessel, the Niagara, gallantly in¬ 
to close action : I immediately went on board of her, 
when he anticipated my wish by volunteering to bring 
the schooners winch had been kept astern by the light¬ 
ness of the wind, into close action. It was with un¬ 
speakable pain, that I saw, soon after I got on hoard 
the Niagara, the flag of the Laivrence come down, 
although I was perfectly sensible that she had been 
defended to the last, and that to have continued to 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


87 


make a show of resistance would have been a wanton 
sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew. But the 
enemy was not able to take possession of her, and 
circumstances soon permitted her flag again to be 
hoisted. At 45 minutes past 2, the signal was made 
for “close action/’ The Niagara being very little 
injured, I determined to pass through the enemy’s 
line, bore up and passed ahead of their two ships and 
a brig, giving a raking fire to them from the starboard 
guns, and to a large schooner and sloop from the lar¬ 
board side at half pistol shot d istance. The smaller 
vessels at this time having got within grape and can* 
nister distance, under the direction of Capt. Elliot, 
and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships, a 
brig and a schooner surrendered, a schooner and sloop 
making a vain attempt to escape. 

Those officers and men who were immediately under 
my observation evinced the greatest gallantry, and I 
have no doubt that ail others conducted themselves as 
became American officers and seamen. Lieut. Yar- 
nall, first of the Lawrence , although several times 
wounded, refused to quitthe deck. Midshipman For¬ 
rest (doing duty as lieutenant) and Sailing-Master 
Tailor, were of great assistance to me. I have great 
pain in stating to you the death of Lt. Brooks of the 
marines, and Midshipman Laub, both of the Law¬ 
rence , and Midshipman John Clarke of the Scorpion: 
they were valuable and promising officers. Mr. Ham- 
bleton, purser, who volunteered his services on deck, 
was severely wounded late in the action. Midship¬ 
men C lax on and Swartwout of the Laivrence , were 
severely wounded. On board of the Niagara, Lieut¬ 
enants Smith and Edwards, and. Midshipman Web¬ 
ster (doing duty as a sailing master,) behaved in a ve¬ 
ry handsome manner. Capt. Breevoort of the army, 
who acted as a volunteer in the capacity of a marine 
officer, on board that vessel, is an excellent and brave 
officer, and with his musketry did great execution. 
Lieut. Turner, commanding the Caledonia , brought 
that vessel into action in the most able manner, and 


88 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


is an officer that in all situations may he relied on. 

The Ariel , Lieut. Packet, and Scorpion , Sailing- 
Master Champlin, were enabled to get early into ac¬ 
tion, and were of great service. Capt. Elliott speaks 
in the highest terms of Mr. Magrath, purser, who had 
been despatched in a boat on service previous to my 
getting on board the Niagara ; and, being a seaman, 
since the action has rendered essential service in ta¬ 
king charge of one of the prizes. Of Capt. Elliott, 
already so well known to the government, it would be 
almost superfluous to speak. In this action he evin¬ 
ced his characteristic bravery and judgment, and, since 
the close of the action, has given me the most able 
and essential assistance. 

I have the honor to enclose you a return of the kil¬ 
led and wounded, together with a statement of the 
relative force of the squadrons. The captain and 1st 
lieutenant of the Queen Charlotte and the 1st lieuten¬ 
ant of the Detroit were killed : Capt. Barclay, senior 
officer, and the commander of the Lady Prevost , se¬ 
verely wounded : the commander of the Hunter and 
Chippeway slightly wounded. Their loss in killed 
and wounded I have not yet been able to ascertain ; 
it must however have been very great. 

Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

Hon. William Jones, O. H. PERRY. 

Sec’y of the navy . 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. PERRY. 

U. S. Schooner Ariel , Put-in-Bay, 

Sir, September 13, 1813. 

I have caused the prisoners taken on the 10th inst. 
to be landed at Sandusky, and have requested Gen. 
Harrison to have them marched to Chilicothe, and 
there wait until your pleasure shall be known respec¬ 
ting them. 

The Lawrence has been entirely cist up : it is abso¬ 
lutely necessary she should go into a safe harbor. I 
have therefore directed Lieut. Yarnall to proceed to 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


89 


Erie in her, with the wounded of the fleet, and dis¬ 
mantle and get her over the bar as soon as possible. 

The two ships in a heavy sea this day at anchor lost 
their masts, being much injured in the action. I shall 
haul them into the inner bay at this place, and moor 
them for the present. The Detroit is a remarkably 
fine ship, sails well, and is very strongly built. The 
Queen Charlotte is a much superior vessel to what 
has been represented. The Lady Prevost is a large, 
fine schooner. 

I also beg your instructions respecting the wounded. 
I am satisfied, Sir, that whatever steps I might take, 
governed by humanity, would meet your approbation. 
Under this impression, I have taken upon myself to 
promise Capt. Barclay, who is very dangerously 
wounded, that he shall be landed as near Lake 
Ontario as possible, and I had no doubt you would 
allow me to parole him. He is under the impression 
that nothing but leaving this part of the country will 
save his life. 

There is also a number of Canadians among the 
prisoners, many of whom have families. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

very respectfully, your obed't serv’t, 

Hon William Jones, O. H. PERRY. 

Sec’y of the navy. 

STATEMENT OF THE FORCE OF THE BRITISH SQUADRON. 

Ship Detroit,* - - 19 guns-1 on pivot, and 2 howitzers. 
Queen Charlotte, 17 do. 1 do. 

Sch. Lady Prevost, 13 do, 1 do. 

Brig Hunter, - 10 do. 

Sl’p Little Belt, 3 do. 

Sch. Chippeway, 1 do.and 2 swivels-Total,63 guns. 

STATEMENT OF THE FORCE OF THE U. S. SQUADRON. 

Brig Lawrence, - 20 guns. 

Niagara - - 20 do. 

Caledonia, - 3 do. 

* The Detroit is a new ship, very strongly built, and mounts long 24s, 18s and 12«, 

12 



90 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Sch. Ariel, - - 4 guns, (one burst early in the action.) 

Scorpion - 2 do. 

Somers - 2 do. and 2 swivels. 

SFp Trippe, 1 do. 

Sch. Tigress, 1 do. 

Porcupine, 1 do.—Total, 54 guns. 

The exact number of the enemy's force has not 
been ascertained, but I have good reason to believe 
that it exceeded ours by nearly one hundred men. 

List of killed and wounded on board the United 
States squadron , under command of O. H. Perry 
Esq. in the action of 10th September , 1813. 

On board the Lawrence. Killed —John Brooks, 
lieutenant of marines ; * Henry Laub, midshipman ; 
Christian Mayhew, quarter master ; eleven seamen, 
and one sail maker, one carpenter, one private, and 
three marines. 

Wounded —John J. Yarnall, 1st lieutenant, slight¬ 
ly ; Dulaney Forrest, 2d do. do. ; William N. Tay¬ 
lor, sailing master, do. ; Samuel Hambleton, purser, 
severely ; Thomas Claxton, Augustus Swartwout, 
midshipmen, severely ; Jonas Stone, carpenter slight¬ 
ly ; William C. Keen, master at arms, do ; Francis 
Mason, John Newen, quarter masters, severely ; Jo¬ 
seph Lewis, Ezekiel Fowler, quarter masters, slight¬ 
ly; John E. Brown, quarter gunner, severely ; Will¬ 
iam Johnson, boatswain's mate, do ; James Helan, 
do. slightly ; George Cornell, carpenter’s mate, do. 
and forty five seamen and marines. 

[On the morning of the action, the sick list of the 
Lawrence contained 31 unfit for duty.] 

On board the Niagara. Killed —Peter Morel, 
seamen, Isaac Hardy, ord. seamen.— 2 

Wounded. —John J. Edwards, lieutenant; John 
C. Cummings, midshipman ; and twenty one seamen 
and marines. 

* A son of the late Gov. Brooks of Medford, Mass. He was an accomplished 
gentleman and brave officer 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


91 


[On the morning of the action, the sick list of the 
Niagara contained 28 unfit for duty.] 

On board the Caledonia. Wounded — James 
Artus, Isaac Perkins, James Phillips, slightly—3. 

On board the Somers. Wounded —Charles Or- 
deen, Godfrey Bowman—2. 

On board the Ariel. Killed—J ohn White, boat¬ 
swain's mate—1. 

Wounded —William Sloss, ord. seaman, slightly; 
Robert Wilson, seaman, do ; John Lucas, landsman, 
do.—3. 

On board the Trippe. Wounded —Isaac Green, 
soldier, 26th regiment, badly ; John Fades, do. 17th, 
slightly—2. 

On board the Porcupine. None killed or wounded. 

On board the Scorpion. Killed —John Clark, 
midshipman ; John Sylhamamer, landsman—2. 

On board the Tigress. None killed or wounded. 

[Two days previous to the action, 57 men unfit for 
service in the small vessels.] 


RECAPITULATION. 



Killed. 

Wounded. 

Total. 

Lawrence, 

22 

61 

83 

Niagara, 

2 

25 

21 

Caledonia, 

0 

3 

3 

Somers, 

0 

2 

2 

Ariel, 

1 

3 

4> 

Trippe, 

0 

2 

2 

Scorpion, 

2 

0 

2 


27 

96 

123 



S. HAMBLETON, Purser. 



O. H. PERRY, Captain. 


and senior officer. 


Of the 96 wounded in the battle of Lake Erie, on¬ 
ly four died : most of the wounded were fit for duty 
in a short time. 

Just before the battle, Com. Perry hoisted the union 
jack, having for a motto the dying words of Lawrence* 



92 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


“dont give up the ship.” It was received with repea¬ 
ted huzzas by the officers and crews. 

The victory of Com. Perry was the result of skill, 
courage, and enterprise, against superior force. Both 
the quality and amount of the force he had to contend 
with ought to have given a triumph to the other side; 
and at the time of the surrender, the odds were increas¬ 
ed against him, since his own ship after having suffered 
more than perhaps a vessel of the same size and force 
ever did before, had been compelled to strike. The im¬ 
mediate termination of the battle appears to have been 
decided by the bold Nelsonian measure, of breaking 
through the British line and coming to close action. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A NAVAL OFFICER AT ERIE. 

October 7, 1813. 

“Had I been able, I should before now have sent 
you some particulars of the action of the memora¬ 
ble 10th of September. As we have not many let¬ 
ter writers in our squadron, the public will have to 
put up with the Commodore’s ‘round, unvarnished 
tale which however is very well told. All the fault 
I find with it is, that he himself is too much in the back 
ground. 

“In no action fought this war has the conduct of 
the commanding officer been so conspicious or so evi¬ 
dently decisive of the fate of the battle, as in this. 
When he discovered that nothing further could be 
done in the Lawrence , he wisely removed to the Ni¬ 
agara, and by one of the boldest and most judicious 
manoeuvres ever practised, decided the contest at once. 
Had the Niagara shared the fate of the Lcticrence , 
it was his intention to have removed to the next best 
vessel, and so on as long as one of his squadron con¬ 
tinued to float. The enemy saw him put off, and ac¬ 
knowledge that they fired a broadside at him. With 
his usual gallantry he went off standing up in the stern 
of the boat; but the crew insisted on his sitting down. 
The enemy speak with admiration of the manner in 
which the Lawrence bore down upon them. She 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


93 


continued her course so long and so obstinately, that 
they thought we were going to board them. They 
had a great advantage in having long guns. Many 
of our men were killed on the birth deck and in the 
steerage, after they were taken below to be dressed— 
Midshipman Laub was of this number. One shot 
went through the light room, and knocked the snuff of 
the candle into the magazine—The gunner happened 
to see it immediately, and extinguished it with his 
hand : 2 shot passed through the magazine ; 2 through 
the cabin ; 3 or 4 came into the ward room—but I be¬ 
lieve only one went quite through, and that passed a 
few inches over the surgeon’s head as he sat in the 
cockpit. Our short guns lodged their shot in the bul¬ 
warks of the Detroit ; where a number of them now 
remain. Her bulwarks however were vastly superior 
to ours, being of oak and very thick. Many of their 
grape shot came through ours. They acknowledge 
that they threw combustible matter on board of us, 
which set our sails and rigging on fire in several pla¬ 
ces. I am clearly of opinion, that they were better 
manned than we were. They had a much greater 
number—they had veteran troops—their men were all 
well. We had as motley a crew as ever went into ac¬ 
tion ; and our vessels looked like hospital ships. 

‘‘During the whole of the action the most complete 
order prevailed on board the Lawrence. There was 
no noise, no bustle, no confusion. As fast as the men 
were wounded they were taken below and replaced 
by others. The dead remained where they fell until 
the action was over. Capt. Perry exhibited that cocl, 
collected, dignified bravery, which those acquainted 
with him would have expected. His countenance all 
the time was just as composed as if he had been en¬ 
gaged in ordinary duty. As soon as the action was 
over he gave all his attention to the securing of the 
prisoners and to the wounded on both sides. Capt. 

’relay declared to one of our officers, several days 
alar the action, that Capt. Perry had done himself im¬ 
mortal honor by his humanity and attention to the 


94 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


wounded prisoners. The action was fought on Fri¬ 
day—we got into harbor next day. On Sunday all 
the officers on both sides, who fell, were buried on 
South Bass Island, at Put-in-Bay, with the honors 
of war. 

“I am sorry to inform you that Midshipman Claxton 
died of his wounds this morning. 

“There were two Indian chiefs on board the De¬ 
troit. The 2d lieutenant informed me, that as soon 
as the action became general they ran below/' 

The suite of Com. Perry, on his arrival at Newport, 
R. I. consisted of his brother, and the four sailors 
that rowed him from the Laivrence to the Niagara. 
It is said that in passing from the Lawrence to the 
Niagara , in an open boat, the gallant commodore 
stood up until he received two broadsides, directed 
at his little barque from the enemy, and was then pul¬ 
led down by the skirts of his coat, by the faithful tars, 
that accompanied him. 

Com. Barclay certainly did himself honor by a 
brave and obstinate resistance. He had seen much 
service, having been dangerously wounded in the bat¬ 
tle of Trafalgar, and afterwards losing an arm in anoth¬ 
er engagement with the French. In this battle, he 
was twice carried below, on account of his wounds, 
and unfortunately lost his remaining hand. 

At a public dinner and ball, given to Com. Bar¬ 
clay, at Terrebonne, (Canada) this gallant, but unfor¬ 
tunate officer, gave the following toast:— “Com. Per¬ 
ry ', the gallant and generous enemy 

Gen. Harrison sent reinforcements to assist Com. 
Perry in the action, which terminated in the capture 
of the whole British fleet. In return, Com. Perry 
volunteered with Gen. Harrison, and assisted him in 
the capture of the British army. 

In the following letter justice is done to the zeal of 
Gen. Harrison and his gallant soldiers. 

Sir, U. S. Schooner Ariel, Sept. 15, 1813. 

The very great assistance, in the action of the 10th 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


95 


inst. derived from those men you were pleased to send on 
board the squadron, renders it a duty to return you 
my sincere thanks for so timely a reinforcement. In 
fact, Sir, I may say, without those men the victory 
could not have been achieved ; and equally to assure 
you, that those officers and men behaved as became 
good soldiers and seamen. Those who were under 
my immediate observation, evinced great ardour and 
bravery. Capt. Prevort, of the 2d company of Infan¬ 
try, serving on board the Niagara, I beg leave to rec¬ 
ommend particularly to your notice : he is a brave and 
gallant officer, and as far as I am capable of judging, 
an excellent one. I am convinced you will present the 
merit of this officer to the view of the Hon. Secretary 
of War, as I shall to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy. 

Very respectfully, I am, sir, 

your obedient servant, 

Maj. Gen. W. H. Harrison, O. II. PERRY. 
Commander in chief of the N. W. army. 

An officer on board the Lawrence , and a volunteer 
on board the same vessel, having circulated a report, 
that the Niagara, commanded by Capt. Jesse D. Elli¬ 
ott, had not ta n an active part in the battle, the fol¬ 
lowing notes of Captains Perry and Elliott are inser¬ 
ted, which prove the report to have been totally false. 

United States Brig Niagara, 

Sir, Put-in-Bay , September 18, 1813. 

I am informed a report has been circulated by some 
malicious person, prejudicial to my vessel, when en¬ 
gaged with the enemy’s fleet. I will thank you, if you 
will, with candour, state to me the conduct of myself, 
officers and crew. 

Respectfully your obedient servant, 
Capt. O. H. Perry. JESSE D. ELLIOTT. 

United States Schooner Ariel , 

My dear sir, Put-in-Bay , September 18, 1813. 

I received your note last evening after I had turned 
in, or I should have answered it immediately. I am 


96 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


indignant that any report should be circulated, preju¬ 
dicial to your character, as respects the action of the 
10th instant. It affords me great pleasure that I have 
it in my power to assure you, that the conduct of your¬ 
self, officers, and crew was such as to meet my warm¬ 
est approbation. And I consider the circumstance of 
your volunteering and bringing the small vessels into 
close action, as contributing largely to our victory. 
I shall ever believe it a premeditated plan to destroy 
our commanding vessel. I have no doubt had not the 
Queen Charlotte run from the Niagara , from the su¬ 
perior order I observed her in, you would have taken 
her in twenty minutes. 

With sentiments of esteem I am, dear Sir, 
your friend and obedient servant 
Capt. J. D. Elliott. O. H. PERRY. 

The following is the opinion of the court of inquiry, 
held on board the United States sloop of war Ontario , 
in the harbor of New York, in pursuance of the follow- 
orders. 

Sir Navy Department , April 20, 1815, 

It has been stated to this department, that by the 
proceedings of a court of inquiry, in Great Britain, 
ordered to investigate the causes of the loss of the 
British fleet on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September 
1813, the conduct of Capt. Jesse D. Elliott, of the 
United States navy, who commanded the brig Niag¬ 
ara on that day, is misrepresented ; justice to the re¬ 
putation of Capt Elliott, and to the navy of the Uni¬ 
ted States, requires that a true statement of the facts 
in relation to his conduct on that occasion, be exibited 
to the world. The court therefore, of which you are 
president, will immediately proceed to inquire into the 
same, to ascertain the part he sustained in the action 
of that day, and report its opinion thereon to this de¬ 
partment. 

I am very respectively, your obedient servant, 
Com. A. Murray, B. W. CRO WNINGSIIIELD 

New York, 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


97 


The court of inquiry, convened at the request of 
Capt. Jesse D. Elliott, having deliberately examined 
all the evidences produced before them, for the pur¬ 
pose of investigating his conduct in the glorious bat¬ 
tle on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September 1813, in 
which he bore so conspicuous a part, sincerely regret, 
that there should have been any diversity of opinion 
respecting the events of that day; and imperious duty 
compels the court to promulgate testimony that ap¬ 
pears materially to vary in some of its important points. 
The court however feel convinced, that the attempts 
to wrest from Capt. Elliott the laurels he gained in 
that splendid victory, as second in command under 
that gallant and highly meritorious officer, Capt. Per¬ 
ry ought in no wise to lesson him in the opinion of his 
fellow citizens, as a brave and skilful officer, and that 
the charge made in the proceedings of the British court 
martial, by which Capt. Barclay was tried, of his at¬ 
tempting to withdraw from the battle, is malicious, and 
unfounded in fact. On the contrary, it has been pro¬ 
ved to the satisfaction of this court, that the enemy's 
ship, Queen Charlotte , bore off from the fire of the 
Niagara , commanded by Capt. Elliott. 

ALEXANDER MURRAY, Pres . 
HENRY WHEATON Judge Mv. 
Approved, B. W. Crowningshield. 


LOSS OF THE ESSEX. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. PORTER, TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Essex Junior , at sea, July 3, 1814. 

I have done myself the honor to address you re¬ 
peatedly, since I left the Delaware ; but have scarce¬ 
ly a hope that one of my letters has reached you ; 
therefore consider it necessary to give a brief history of 
my proceeding since that period. 

I sailed from the Delaware on the 27th of October 
1812, and repaired, with all dilligence, (agreeably to 
instruction from Com. Bainbridge) to Port Praya, 

13 





98 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Fernando de Noronho, and Cape Frio ; and arrived 
at each place on the day appointed to meet him. On 
my passage from Port Praya to Fernando de Noronho, 
I captured H. B. M. packet Norton ; and after taking 
out about 11,000/. sterling in specie, sent her under 
command of Lieut. Finch, for America. I cruised 
off Rio de Janeiro, and about Cape Frio, until the 
12th January 1813, hearing frequently of the Com¬ 
modore,by vessels from Bahia. I here captured but one 
schooner, with hides and tallow. I sent her into Rio. 
The Montague, the admiral’s ship being in pursuit 
of me, my provisions now getting short, and finding it 
necessary to look out for a supply, to enable, me to 
meet the commodore by the 1st of April off St. Helena, 
I proceed to the Island of St. Catharines, (the last 
place of rendezvous on the coast of Brazil) as the 
most likely to supply my wants, and at the same time 
afford me that secrecy necessary to enable me to al¬ 
lude the British ships of war on the coast, and expec¬ 
ted there. I here could procure only wood, water 
and rum, and a few bags of flour ; and hearing of the 
commodore’s action with the Java , the capture of the 
Hornet by the Montague, and a considerable aug¬ 
mentation of the British force on the coast, and of 
several being in pursuit of me, I found it necessary to 
get to sea as soon as possible. I now, agreeably to 
the commodore’s plan, stretched to the southward, 
scouring the coast as far as Rio de la Plata. I heard 
that Buenos Ayres was in a state of starvation, and 
could not supply our wants ; and that the govern¬ 
ment of Montevideo was very inimical to us. The 
commodore’s instructions now left it discretionary 
with me what course to pursue, and I determined on 
following that which had not only met his approbation, 
but the approbation of the then secretary of the navy. 
1 accordingly shaped my course for the Pacific; and 
after suffering greatly from short allowance of provi¬ 
sion and heavy gales off Cape Horn (for which my 
ship and men were illy provided) I arrived at Val¬ 
paraiso on the 14th March 1813. I here took in as 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


99 


much jerked beef, and other provisions, as my ship 
would conveniently stow, and run down the coast of 
Chili and Peru ; in this track, I fell in with a Paru- 
vian corsair, wdiich had on board 2 4 Americans as 
prisoners, the crews of two whale ships, which she had 
taken on the coast of Chili. The captain informed 
me, that as the allies of Great Britain, they would 
capture all they should meet with, in expectation of 
a war between Spain and the United States. I conse¬ 
quently threw all his guns and ammunition into the sea, 
liberated the Americans, wrote a respectful letter to 
the Vice Roy, explaining the cause of my proceedings, 
which I delivered to her captain. I then proceeded from 
Lima and re-captured one of the vessels as she was en¬ 
tering the port. From thence I proceeded for the Gal- 
lapagos islands, w here I cruised from the 17th April, 
until the 3d of October, 1813 ; during which time I 
touched only once on the coast of America, which was 
for the purpose of procuring a supply of fresh water, 
as none is to be found among those islands; which are 
perhaps the most barren and desolate of any known. 

While among this group I captured the following 
British ships, employed chiefly in the spermaceti whale 
fishery—viz. 

LETTERS OF MARQUE. 



Tons. 

Men. 

Guns. 

Pierced for 

Montezuma, 

270 

21 

2 


Policy, 

175 

26 

10 

18 

Georgiana, 

280 

25 

6 

18 

Greenwich, 

338 

25 

10 

20 

Atlantic, 

353 

24 

8 

20 

Rose, 

220 

21 

8 

20 

Hector, 

270 

25 

11 

20 

Catharine, * 

270 

29 

8 

18 

Seringnpatam, 

357 

'31 

14 

26 

Charlton, 

274 

21 

10 

18 

New Zealander, 

259 

23 

8 

13 

Sir A. Hammond, 

301 

31 

12 

18 


3339 

302 

107 






100 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


As some of those ships were captured by boats, and 
others by prizes, my officers and men had several op¬ 
portunities of shewing their gallantry. 

The Rose and Charlton were given up to the prison¬ 
ers ; the Hector, Catharine , and Montezuma, I sent 
to Valparaiso, where they were laid up ; the Policy, 
Georgiana, and New-Zealander I sent for America ; 
the Greenwich I kept as a store ship, to contain the 
stores of my other prizes, necessary for us ; and the 
Atlantic, now called the Essex-Junior, I equipped 
with 20 guns, and gave command of her to Lieut. 
Downes. 

Lieut. Downes had convoyed prizes to Valparaiso, 
and on his return brought me letters informing me, 
that a squadron under the command of Com. James 
Hillyar, consisting of the frigate Phoebe, of 36 guns, 
the Racoon and Cherub sloop of war, and a store ship 
of 20 guns, had sailed on the 6th of July for this sea. 
The Racoon and Cherub had been seeking me for 
some time on the coast of Brazil, and on their return 
from their cruise, joined the squadron sent in search 
of me to the Pacific. My ship, as it may be supposed, 
after being near a year at sea, required some repairs to 
put her in a state to meet them ; which I determined 
to do, and to bring them to action, if I could meet 
them on nearly equal terms. I proceeded now, in 
company with the remainder of my prizes, to the 
island of Nooaheevah, or Madison Island, lying in the 
Washington groupe, discovered by Capt. Ingraham 
of Boston: here I caulked and completely overhauled 
my ship, made for her a new set of water casks, her 
old ones being entirely decayed, and took on hoard 
from my prizes provisions and stores for upwards of 
four months, and sailed for the coast of Chili on the 
12th December, 1813. Previous to sailing, I secur¬ 
ed the Serengapatcim, Greenivich and Sir Andrew 
Hammond under the guns of a battery, which I erec¬ 
ted for their protection. After taking possession of 
this fine island for the United States, and establishing 
the most friendly intercourse with the natives, I left 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


101 


them under the charge of Lieut. Gamble of the ma¬ 
rines, with twenty-one men, with orders to repair to 
Valparaiso, after a certain period. 

I arrived on the coast of Chili on the 12th January, 
1814; looked into Conception and Valparaiso, found at 
both places only three English vessels, and learned that 
the squadron, which sailed from Rio de Janeiro for 
that sea, had not been heard of since their departure; 
and were supposed to be lost in endeavoring to double 
Cape-Horn. 

I had completely broken up the British navigation 
in the Pacific ; the vessels which had not been captur¬ 
ed by me, were laid up, and dare not venture out. I 
had afforded the most ample protection to our own 
vessels, which were on my arrival, very numerous and 
unprotected. The valuable whale fishery there is en¬ 
tirely destroyed, and the actual injury we have done 
them may be estimated at two and a half millions of 
dollars independent of the expense of vessels in search 
of me. They have furnished me amply with sales, cor¬ 
dage, cables, anchors, provisions, medicines and stores 
of every discretion; and the slops on board them 
have furnished clothing for the seamen. We have in 
fact lived on the enemy since I have been in that sea, 
every prize having proved a well found store-ship for 
me. I had not yet been under, the necessity of draw¬ 
ing bills on the department for any object, and had 
been enabled tomake considerable advances to my offi¬ 
cers and crew on account of pay. 

For the unexampled time we had kept the sea, my 
crew had been remarkably healthy ; I had but one 
case of the scurvy ; and had lost only the following 
men by death, viz, John S. Cowan, lieutenant; 
Robert Miller, surgeon; Levi Holmes, Edward 
Sweeney, ord. seamen; Samuel Groce, seaman; 
James Spafford, gunner’s mate; Benjamin Geers, 
John Rodgers, quarter-gunners ; Andrew Mahan, cor¬ 
poral of marines ; Lewis Price, private marine. 

I had done all the injury that could be done the 
British commerce in the Pacific, and still hoped to 



102 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


signalize my cruise by something more splended before 
leaving that se^. I thought it not improbable that Com. 
Hillyar might have kept his arrival secret, and believ¬ 
ing that he would seek me at Valparaiso, as the most 
likely place to find me, I therefore determined to cruise 
about that place, and should I fail of meeting him, 
hoped to be compensated by the capture of some mer¬ 
chant ships, said to be expected from England. 

The Phoebe , agreeably to my expectations, came to 
seek me at Valparaiso, where I was anchored with the 
Essex , and my armed prize the Essex-Junior , under 
the command of Lieut. Downes, on the look out of 
the harbor; but contrary to the course I thought he 
would pursue, Com. Hillyar brought with him the 
Cherub sloop of war, mounting twenty-eight guns, 
eighteen 32 pound carronades, eight 24s, and two long 
9s on the quarter deck and forecastle, and a complement 
of 180 men. The force of the Phoebe is as follows :— 
Thirty long 18 pounders, sixteen 32 pound carronades, 
one howitzer, and six three pounders in the tops, in all 
fifty-three guns, and a complement of 320 men; mak¬ 
ing a force of eighty-one guns and 500 men ; in ad¬ 
dition to which, they took on board the crew of an 
English letter of marque lying in port. Both ships 
had picked crews, and were sent into the pacific in 
company with the Racoon of 22 guns, and a stort 
ship of twenty guns, for the express purpose of seeking 
the Essex , and were prepared with flags, bearing the 
motto, “God and country ; British sailor’s best rights; 
traitors offend both.” This was intended as a reply 
to my motto, “free trade and sailor’s rights,” under 
the erroneous impression that my crew were chieflyEn- 
glishmen, or to counteract its effect on their own crews. 
The force of the Essex was 46 guns, forty 32 pound 
carronades, and six long 12s, and her crew, which had 
been much reduced by prizbs amounted only to 255 
men. The Essex Junior , which was intended chief¬ 
ly as a store ship, mounted 20 guns, ten 18 pound 
carronades, and ten short 7s, with only 60 men on 
board. In reply to their motto, I wrote at my miz- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


103 


en, “ God, our country, and liberty : tyrants offend 
them. ,, 

On getting their provisions on board, they went off 
the port for the purpose of blockading me, where they 
ctuised for near six weeks ; during which time I en¬ 
deavored to provoke a challenge, and frequently, but 
ineffectually, to bring the Phoebe alone to action, first 
with both my ships, and afterwards with my single 
ship with both crews on board. I was several times 
under way, and ascertained that I had greatly the ad¬ 
vantage in point of sailing, and once succeeded in 
closing within gun-shot of the Phoebe , and commen¬ 
ced a fire on her, when she ran down for the Cherub , 
which was two miles and a half to leeward. This 
excited some surprize and expressions of indignation, 
as previous to my getting under way, she hove to off 
the port, hoisted her motto flag and fired a gun to 
windward. Com. Hillyar seemed determined to avoid 
a contest with me on nearly equal terms, and from his 
extreme prudence in keeping both his ships ever after 
constantly within hail of each other, there were no 
hopes of any advantages to my country from a longer 
stay in port. I therefore determined to put to sea the 
first opportunity which should offer ; and I was the 
more strongly induced to do so, as I had received cer- 
tain intelligence that the Tagus , rated 38, and two 
other frigates, had sailed for that sea in pursuit of me ; 
and I had reason to expect the arrival of the Racoon 
from the N. W. coast of America, where she had 
been sent for the purpose of destroying our fur estab¬ 
lishment on the Columbia. A rendezvous was ap¬ 
pointed for the Essex-Junior and every arrangement 
made for sailing, and I intended to let them chase me 
off; to give the Essex- Junior an opportunity of esca¬ 
ping. On the 23th March, the day after this deter¬ 
mination was formed, the wind came on to blow fresh 
from the southward, when I parted my larboard cable, 
and dragged my starboard anchor directly out to sea. 
Not a moment was to be lost in getting sail on the 
ship. The enemy were close in with the point forming 


104 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the west side of the bay ; but on opening them, I saw 
a prospect of passing to windward, when I took in my 
top-gallant sails, which were set over single-reefed 
top-sails, and braced up for this purpose; but on 
rounding the point, a heavy squall struck the ship and 
carried away her main top mast, precipitating the men 
who were aloft into the sea, who were drowned. Eoth 
ships now gave chase to me, and I endeavoured in my 
disabled state to regain the port ; but finding I could 
not recover the common anchorage, I ran close into a 
small bay about three quarters of a mile to leeward of 
the battery on the east side of the harbor, and let go 
my anchor within pistol shot of the shore, where I in¬ 
tended to repair my damages as soon as possible. 

The enemy continued to approach, and shewed an 
evident intention of attacking, regardless of the neu¬ 
trality of the place where I was anchored; and the 
caution observed in their approach to the attack of the 
crippled Essex, was truly rediculous, as was their dis¬ 
play of their motto flags, and the number of jacks at 
their mast heads. I, with as much expedition as cir¬ 
cumstances would admit of, got my ship ready for ac¬ 
tion, and endeavoured to get a spring on my cable, 
but had not succeeded when the enemy, at 54 minutes 
after 3, P. M. made his attack, the Phoebe placing 
herself under my stern, and the Cherub on my star¬ 
board bow ; but the Cherub soon finding her situa¬ 
tion a hot one, bore up and ran under my stern also, 
where both ships kept up a hot raking fire. I had got 
three long 12 pounders out of the stern ports, which 
were worked with so much bravery and skill, that in 
half an hour we so disabled both as to compel them 
to haul off to repair damages. In the course of this 
firing, I had by the great exertions of Mr. Edward 
Barnewell, the acting sailing master, assisted by Mr. 
Linscottj the boatswain, succeeded in getting springs 
on our cable three different times ; but the fire of the 
enemy was so excessive, that before we could get our 
broadside to bear, they were shot away, and thus ren¬ 
dered useless to us. My ship had received many in- 








CAPTURE OF THE ESSEX. 

































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


105 


juries, and several had been killed and wounded ; but 
my brave officers and men, notwithstanding the unfa¬ 
vorable circumstances under which we were brought 
to action, and the powerful force opposed to us, were 
no ways discouraged ; and all appeared determined 
to defend their ship to the last extremity, and to die in 
preference to a shameful surrender. Our gaff, with 
the ensign, and the motto flag at the mizen, had been 
shot away, but “free trade and sailors’ rights” contin¬ 
ued to fly at the fore. Our ensign was replaced by 
another ; and to guard against a similar event, an en¬ 
sign was made fast in the mizen rigging, and several 
jacks were hoisted in different parts of the ship. The 
enemy soon repaired his damages for a fresh attack : 
he now T placed himself with both his ships, on my 
starboard quarter, out of the reach of my carronades, 
and where my stern guns could not be brought to 
bear : he there kept up a most galling fire, which it 
was out of my power to return, when I saw no pros¬ 
pect of injuring him without getting under way and 
becoming the assailant. My top-sail sheets and hal- 
iards were all shot away, as well as the jib and fore-top 
mast stay-sail haliards. The only rope not cut away 
was the flying-jib haliards ; and that being the only 
sail I could set, I caused it to be hoisted, my cable 
to be cut, and ran down on both ships, with an inten¬ 
tion of laying the Phoebe on board. The firing on 
both sides was now tremendous ; I had let fall my 
fore-top-sail and fore-sail, but the want of tack and 
sheets rendered them almost useless to us—yet we 
were enabled, for a short time, to close with the ene¬ 
my ; and although our decks were now strewed with 
dead, and our cock-pit filled with wounded—although 
our ship had been several times on fire, and was ren¬ 
dered a perfect wreck, we were still encouraged to 
hope to save her, from the circumstance of the C/ier- 
ub , from her crippled state, being compelled to haul 
off. She did not return to close action again, although 
she apparently had it in her power to do so, but kept 
up a distant firing with her long guns. The Phcebe , 
14 


106 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

from our disabled state, was enabled, however, by 
edging off, to choose the distance which best suited her 
long guns, and kept up a tremendous fire on us, which 
mowed do\Vn my brave companions by the dozen. 
Many of my guns had been rendered useless by the 
enemy’s shot, and many of them had their whole crews 
destroyed. We manned them again from those which 
were disabled, and one gun in particular was three 
times manned—fifteen men were slain at it, in the 
course of the action! But, strange as it may ap¬ 
pear, the captain of it escaped with only a slight 
wound. Finding that the enemy had it in his power 
to choose his distance, I now gave up all hopes of 
closing with him, and, as the wind, for the moment, 
seemed to favor the design, I determined to endeavour 
to run her on shore, land my men, and destroy her. 
Every thing seemed to favor my wishes. 

We had aproached the shore within musket shot, 
and I had no doubt of succeeding, when, in an in¬ 
stant, the wind shifted from the land (as is very com¬ 
mon in this port in the latter part of the day) and pay¬ 
ed our head down on the Phoebe, where we were again 
exposed to a dreadful raking fire. My ship was now 
totally unmanageable ; yet as her head was toward 
the enemy, and he to leeward of me, I still hoped to 
be able to board him. At this moment, Lieut. Com¬ 
mandant Downes came on board to receive my orders, 
under the impression that I should soon be a prisoner. 
He could be of no use to me in the then wretched 
state of the Essex —-and finding (from the enemy’s 
putting his helm up) that my attempt at boarding 
would not succeed, I directed him, after he had been 
about ten minutes on board, to return to his own ship, 
to be prepared for defending and destroying her in 
case of an attack. He took with him several of my 
wounded, leaving three of his boat’s crew on board to 
make room for them. The Cherub now had an op¬ 
portunity of distinguishing herself, by keeping up a 
hot fire on him during his return. The slaughter on 
board my ship had now' become horrible, the enemy 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


107 


continuing to rake us and we unable to bring a gun to 
bear. I therefore directed, a hawser to be bent to 
the sheet anchor, and the anchor to be cut from the 
bows to bring her head round : this succeeded. We 
again got our broadside to bear, and as the enemy was 
much crippled and unable to hold his own, I have no 
doubt he would soon have drifted out of gun shot be¬ 
fore he discovered we had anchored, had not the haw¬ 
ser unfortunately parted. My ship had taken fire 
several times during the action, but alarmingly so 
foreward and aft at this moment—flames were burs¬ 
ting up each hatchway, and no hopes were entertained 
of saving her. Our distance from the shore did not 
exceed three quarters of a mile, and I hoped many 
of my brave crew would be able to save themselves, 
should the ship blow up, as I was informed the fire 
was near the magazine, and the explosion of a large 
quantity of powder below served to increase the 
horrors of our situation—our boats were destroyed 
by the enemy's shot; I therefore directed those who 
could swim to jump overboard, and endeavour to gain 
the shore—some reached it—some were taken by the 
enemy, and some perished in the attempt; but most 
preferred sharing with me the fate of the ship. We, 
who remained, now turned our attention wholly to 
extinguishing the flames : and when we had succeeded, 
went again to our guns where the firing was kept up 
for some minutes, but the crew had by this time be¬ 
come so weakened, that they all declared to me the 
impossibility of making further resistance, and entrea¬ 
ted me to surrender my ship to save the wounded, as 
all further attempt at opposition must prove ineffectu¬ 
al, almost every gun being disabled by the destruction 
of their crews. I now sent for the officers of division 
to consult them ; but what was my surprise to find 
only acting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur M’Knight 
remaining, (who confirmed the report respecting the 
condition of the guns on the gun-deck—those on the 
spar-deck were not in a better state.) Lieut. Wilmer, 
after fighting most gallantry throughout the action,had 


108 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


been knocked overboard by a splinter while getting 
the sheet anchor from the bows, and was drowned. 
Acting Lieutenant John G. Cowell had lost a leg; 
Edward Barnewell, acting sailing master, had been 
carried below, after receiving two severe wounds, one 
in the breast and one in the face ; and acting Lieuten¬ 
ant William H. Odenheimer had been knocked over 
board from the quarter an instant before, and did not 
regain the ship until after the surrender. I was in¬ 
formed that the cockpit, the steerage, the ward room, 
and the birth deck could contain no more wounded ; 
that the wounded were killed while the surgeons 
were dressing them; and that unless something was 
speedily done to prevent it, the ship would soon sink 
from the number of shot holes in her bottom. On 
sending for the carpenter, he informed me that all his 
crew had been killed or wounded, and that he had 
once been over the side to stop the leaks, when his 
slings had been shot away, and it was with difficulty 
he was saved from drowning. The enemy, from the 
smootheness of the water, and the impossibility of our 
reaching him with our carronades, and the little appre¬ 
hension that was excited by our fire, which had now 
become much slackened, was enabled to take aim at us 
as at a target: his shot never missed our hull, and my 
ship was cut up in a manner, which was, perhaps, 
never before witnessed—in fine, I saw no hopes of sa¬ 
ving her, and at 20 minutes after 6 P. M. gave the 
painful order to strike the colours. Seventy-five men, 
including officers, were all that remained of my whole 
crew, after the action, capable of doing duty, and 
many of them severely wounded, some of whom have 
since died. The enemy still continued his fire, and 
my brave, though unfortunate companions, were still 
falling about me. I directed an opposite gun to be 
fired, to show them we intended no farther resistance ; 
but they did not desist; four men were killed at my 
side and others at different parts of the ship. I now 
believe he intended to show us no quarter, and that 
it would be as well to die with my flag flying as 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


109 


struck, and was on the point of again hoisting it, when 
about 10 minutes after hauling the colours down he 
ceased firing. 

I cannot speak in sufficiently high terms of the con¬ 
duct of those engaged for such an unparalled length 
of time (under such circumstances) with me in the ar¬ 
duous and unequal contest. Let it suffice to say, that 
more bravery, skill, patriotism and zeal were never dis¬ 
played on any occasion. Every one seemed determin¬ 
ed to die in defence of their much loved country’s 
cause, and nothing but views of humanity could ever 
have reconciled them to the surrender of the ship ; 
they remembered their wounded and helpless ship¬ 
mates below. To acting Lieutenants M’Knight and 
Odenheimer, I feel much indebted for their great ex¬ 
ertions and bravery throughout the action, in fighting 
and encouraging the men at their divisions, for the 
dexterous management of the long guns, and for their 
promptness in remanning their guns as their crews were 
slaughtered. The conduct of that brave and heroic 
officer, acting Lieutenant John G. Cowell, who lost 
his leg in the latter part of the action, excited the ad¬ 
miration of every man in the ship, and after being 
wounded, would not consent to be taken below, un¬ 
til loss of blood had rendered him insensible. Mr. 
Barnewell, acting sailing-master, whose activity and 
courage were equally conspicuous, returned on deck 
after receiving his first wound, and remained after re¬ 
ceiving his second, until fainting with the loss of 
blood. Mr. Samuel B. Johnston, who had joined me 
the day before, and acted as marine officer, conduct¬ 
ed himself with great bravery, and exerted himself in 
assisting at the long guns ; the musketry after the first 
half hour being useless from our long distance. 

Mr. M. W. Bostwick, whom I had appointed acting 
purser of the Essex-Junior , and who was on board 
my ship, did the duties of aid in a manner which re¬ 
flects on him the highest honor: and Midshipmen 
Isaacs, Farrugut, and Ogden, as well as acting Mid¬ 
shipmen James Terry, Janies R. Lyman and Samuel 


110 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Duzenbury, and Master’s Mate William Pierce ? ex¬ 
erted themselves in the performance of their respec¬ 
tive duties, and gave an earnest of their value to the 
service ; the three first are too young to recommend 
for promotion ; the latter I beg leave to recommend 
for confirmation, as well as the acting lieutenants and 
Messrs. Barnewell, Johnston and Bostwick. 

We have been unfortunate, but not disgraced—the 
defence of the Essex has not been less honorable to 
her officers and her crew, than the capture of an equal 
force ; and I now consider my situation less unpleas¬ 
ant, than that of Com. Hillyar, who, in violation of 
every principal of honor and generosity, and regard¬ 
less of the rights of nations, attacked the Essex in 
her crippled state, within pistol shot of a neutral shore, 
when for six weeks I had daily offered him fair and 
honorable combat,on terms greatly to his advantage. 
The blood of the slain must rest on his head ; and he 
has yet to reconcile his conduct to heaven, to his con¬ 
science, and to the world. The annexed extracts of a 
letter from Com. Hillyar, which was written previous 
to his returning me my sword, will shew his opinion of 
our conduct. 

My loss has been dreadfully severe, 58 killed, or 
have since died of their wounds, and among them 
Lieut. Cowell; 39 were severely wounded, 27 slight¬ 
ly, and 31 are missing ; making in all 154 killed, 
wounded, and missing,a list of whose names is annexed. 

The professional knowledge of Dr. Richard Hoff¬ 
man, acting surgeon, and Dr. Alexander Montgome¬ 
ry, acting as surgeon’s mate, added to their assiduity 
and the benevolent attentions and assistance of Mr. 
D. P. Adams, the chaplain, saved the lives of many 
of the wounded ; those gentlemen have been indefa¬ 
tigable in their attentions to them ; the two first I 
beg leave to recommend for confirmation, and the lat¬ 
ter to the notice of the department. 

I must in justification of myself observe, that with 
our six 12 pounders only,, we fought this action—-our 
caronades being ahnosl useless. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. ni 

The lost in killed and wounded has been great with 
the enemy ; among the former is the first lieutenant of 
the Phoebe , and of the latter Capt Tucker of the 
Cherub , whose wounds are severe. Both the Essex 
and the Phcebe were in a sinking state, and it was 
with difficulty they could be kept afloat until they 
anchored in Valparaiso next morning. The battered 
state of the Essex will, 1 believe, prevent her ever 
reaching England, and I also think it will be out of 
their power to repair the damages of the Phoebe , so 
as to enable her to double Cape Horn. All the masts 
and yards of the Phcebe and Cherub are badly crip¬ 
pled, and their hulls much cut up ; the former had 
eighteen 12 pound shot through her, below her water 
line, some three feet under water. Nothing but the 
smoothness of the water saved both the Phoebe and Es¬ 
sex. 

I hope, Sir, that our conduct may prove satisfacto¬ 
ry to our country, and that it will testify it by obtain¬ 
ing our speedy exchange, that we may again have it 
in our power to prove our zeal. 

Com. Hillyar, I am informed, has thought proper 
to state to his government that the action lasted only 
45 minutes ; should he have done so, the motive may be 
easily discovered—but the thousand of disinterested 
witnesses who covered the surrounding hills, can tes¬ 
tify that we fought his ships near two hours and a half; 
upwards of fifty broadsides were fired by the enemy 
agreeably to their own accounts, and upwards of sev¬ 
enty-five by ours ; except the few minutes they were 
repairing damages, the firing was incessant. 

Soon after my capture I entered into an agreement 
with Com. Hillyar to disarm my prize, the Essex-Ju¬ 
nior, and proceed with the survivors of my officers 
and crew in her to the United States, taking with me 
all her officers and crew. He consented to grant her 
a passport to secure her from recapture. The ship 
was small, and we knew we had much to suffer, yet 
we hoped soon to reach our country in safety* that we 
might again have it in our power to serve it. This 


11 2 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


arrangement was attended with no additional expense, 
as she was abundantly supplied with provisions and 
stores for the voyage. 

In justice to Com. Hillyar, I must observe, that, 
although I can never be reconciled to the manner of 
his attack on the Essex , or to his conduct before the 
action, he has, since our capture, shown the greatest 
humanity to my wounded, whom he permitted me to 
land, on condition that the United States should bear 
their expenses, and has endeavored as much as lay in 
his power to alleviate the distresses of war by the 
most generous and delicate deportment towards my¬ 
self, my officers and crew ; he gave orders that the 
property of every person should be respected—his or¬ 
ders, however, were not so strictly attended to as 
might have been expected ; besides being deprived of 
books, charts, &,c. &c. both myself and officers lost 
many articles of our clothing, some to a considerable 
amount. I should not have considered this last cir¬ 
cumstance of sufficient importance to notice, did it 
not mark a striking difference between the navy of 
Great Britian and that of the United States, highly 
creditable to the latter. 

By the arrival of the Tagus , a few days after my 
capture, I was informed that besides the ships which 
had arrived in the Pacific in pursuit of me, and those 
still expected, others were sent to cruise for me in 
the China seas, off New Zealand, Timour, and New 
Holland, -and that another frigate was sent to the riv¬ 
er La Plata. 

To possess the Essex , it has cost the British gov¬ 
ernment near six millions of dollars ; and yet, Sir, her 
capture was owing entirely to accident; and if we 
consider the expedition with which naval contests are 
now decided, the action is a dishonor to them. Had 
they brought their ships boldly to action with a force 
so very superior, and having the choice of position, 
they should either have captured or destroyed us in 
one fourth of the time they were about it. 

During the action, our Consul General, Mr. Poin- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


113 


sett, called on the governor of Valparaiso, and reques¬ 
ted that the batteries might protect the Essex. The 
request was refused, but he promised that if she 
should succeed in fighting her way to the common an¬ 
chorage, he would send an officer to the British com¬ 
mander and request him to cease firing, but declined 
using force under any circumstances, and there is no 
doubt a perfect understanding existed between them. 
This conduct added to the assistance given to the 
British, and their friendly reception after the action, 
and the strong bias of the faction which governs Chili 
in favor of the English, as well as their hostility to 
the Americans, induced Mr. Poinsett to leave that 
country. Under such circumstances, I did not con¬ 
ceive that it would be proper for me to claim the res¬ 
toration of my ship, confident that the claim would be 
made by my government to more effect. Finding 
some difficulty in the sale of my prizes, I had taken 
the Hector and Catharine to sea, and burnt them with 
their cargoes. 

I exchanged Lieut. M,Knight, Mr. Lyman, and 
eleven seaman, for part of the crew of the Sip Andrew 
Hammond, and sailed from Valparaiso on the 27th 
April, where the enemy were still patching up their 
ships to put them in a state for proceeding to Rio de 
Janeiro, previous to going to England. 

Annexed is a list of the remains of my crew to be 
exchanged, as also a copy of the correspondance be¬ 
tween Com. Hillyar and myself on that subject. I 
also send you a list of the prisoners I have taken dur¬ 
ing my cruise, amounting to 343. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. Secr’y of the navy D. PORTER, 
of the United States , Washington. 

P. S. To give you a correct idea of the state of 
the Essex at the time of surrender, I send you the 
boatswain's and carpenters report of damages; I also 
send you a report of the divisions. 

A return of the killed, wounded and missing on board 
15 



114 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


of the late United States frigate Essex , of 32 guns, 
255 men, David Porter, Esq. commander, in an ac¬ 
tion fought on the 28th March, 1814, Valparaiso Bay, 
with the British frigate Phcebe , of 36 guns, 320 men, 
James Hillyar, Esq. commander, and the sloop of 
war Cherub , mounting 28 guns, 180 men, comman¬ 
ded by T. Tucker, Esq. 

Killed in action and have since died of their 
ivounds .—James P Wilmer, 1st lieutenant; John G. 
Cowell, 3d do.; Henry Kennedy, boatswain’s mate; 
William Smith, do.; Francis Bland, quartermaster; 
Reuben Marshal, quarter gunner ; Thomas Bailey, 
boatswain’s yeoman ; and fifty-three seamen, marines, 
&, c. 

Severely wounded —Edward Barnewell, sailing- 
master ; Edward Linscott, boatswain; William 
Kingsbury, boatswain ; Essex jun. and twenty two 
others. 

Slightly wounded —Only twenty-five. 

Mi s s i n g —Thirty-one. 


RECAPITULATION. 


Killed, 

- - - 60 

Severely wounded, 

- - - 37 

Slightly wounded, 

- - - 25 

Missing, 

- - - 31 

Total 

- - - 153 


During the action, the Essex-Junior lay in the port 
of Valparaiso, under the guns of a Spanish fort, una¬ 
ble to take any part in the contest. After the action, 
Capt. Porter and his crew were paroled, and by ar¬ 
rangement permitted to come home in the Essex-Jun¬ 
ior, and a cartel with his crew. Off the Hook they 
were detained 24 hours by the British razee Saturn , 
in company with the frigate Narcissus. Capt. Por¬ 
ter left the Essex-Junior on the 6th of July, in one of 
her yawls, with six men, about thirty miles outside of 
the Hook, and landed on the 7th at Babylon on Long- 
Tsland, where he procured a waggon, took on board 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


115 


his yawl and jolly tars, and reached Brooklyn about 
five o , clock P. M. 

The Essex had landed all her specie, amounting to 
two millions, at Valparaiso previous to her being cap¬ 
tured. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. HILLYAR TO ME. 

My dear Sir, Phoebe , April 4, 1814. 

Neither in my conversations nor the accompany¬ 
ing letter, have 1 mentioned you sword. Ascribe my 
remissness in the first instance to forgetfulness ; I 
consider it only in my servant’s possession with my 
own, until the master may please to call for it ; and 
although I omitted, at the moment of presentation, 
from my mind being much engrossed in attending to 
professional duties, to offer its restoration, the hand 
that received will be most gladly extended, to put 
it in possession of him who wore it so honorably in de¬ 
fending his country’s cause. 

Believe me, my dear Sir, 

very faithfully yours, 

JAMES HILLYAR. 

Capt. Porter. 

After some conversation on the subject the follow¬ 
ing correspondence took place. 

Sir, Valparaiso , Aprils, 1814. 

Taking into consideration the immense distance 
we are from our respective countries, the uncertainty* 
of the future movements of his majesty’s ships under my 
command, which precludes the possibility of my mak¬ 
ing a permanent arrangement for transporting the of¬ 
ficers and crew, late of the Essex , to Europe; and 
the fast approaching season which renders a passage 
round Cape Horn in some degree dangerous : I have 
the honor to propose for your approbation the follow¬ 
ing articles, which, I hope, the government of the 
United States, as well as that of Great Britain, will 
deem satisfactory ; and to request, that should you 
conceive them so, you will favor me with the neces¬ 
sary bond for fulfillment. 


116 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


First. The Ess ex-Junior to be deprived of all 
her armament and perfectly neutralized; to be equip- 
ed for the voyage solely and wholy at the expense of 
the American government; and to proceed with a 
proper American officer and crew (of which I wish to 
be furnished with a list, for the purpose of giving the 
necessary passport) to any port of the United States 
of America that you may deem most proper. 

Second. Yourself, the officers, petty officers, sea¬ 
men, marines, &c. composing your crew, to be ex¬ 
changed immediately on their arrival in America, for 
an equal number of British prisoners of similar rank. 
Yourself and officers to be considered on their parole of 
honor until your and their exchange shall be effected. 

In case of the foregoing articles being accepted, 
the Essex-Junior, will be expected to prepare imme¬ 
diately for the voyage, and to proceed on it before 
the expiration of the present month : should any of 
the wounded at that period be found incapable of re¬ 
moval, from not being sufficiently advanced in their 
recovery, the most humane attention shall be paid 
them ; and they shall be forwarded home by the first 
favorable conveyance that may offer. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Cap. David Porter, JAMES HILLYAR. 
Late commander of the U. S. frigate Essex. 

Sir, Valparaiso, 5 April, 1814. 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
several favors of yesterday’s date. 

The conditions offered by you for our return to the 
United States are perfectly satisfactory to me, and I 
entertain no doubts of their being equally so to my 
country ; I therefore do not hesitate to pledge my 
honor (the strongest bond I can give) that every arti¬ 
cle of the arrangement shall on our part be fully com¬ 
plied with. A list of the Essex-Junior's crew shall 
be furnished you as soon as it can be made out, and 
her disarmament affected with all possible dispatch. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Com. James Hillyar, D. PORTER. 

Commanding H. B. M. frigate Phoebe. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


117 


Com. Hillyar sent me a paper, certifying that he 
had exchanged certain individuals therein named, 
making part of the crew of the Sir Andrew Ham¬ 
mond , for an equal number of the most severely 
wounded of my crew : this occasioned the following 
letters. 

Sir, Valparaiso , 4 April , 1814. 

I have received a paper signed by you, dated yes¬ 
terday, stating, that you had exchanged certain woun¬ 
ded prisoners, making part of my crew, for the captain 
and crew of the prize ship Sir Andrew Hammond ; 
which paper I have taken the liberty to return to you, 
and protest in the strongest terms against such an ar¬ 
rangement. 

In the first place the wounded and helpless individu¬ 
als, therein named, do not wish such exchange : one 
died last night, and several others expect to share his 
fate. 

Secondly, should I from any circumstances be sep¬ 
arated from them, which would be more likely to be 
the case than if they remained prisoners, their situa¬ 
tion would be more deplorable then it is at present. 
Thirdly, this arrangement has been made without my 
consent and on terms far from offering equal advanta¬ 
ges to the United States. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Com. James Hillvar, D. PORTER. 

Commanding H. B. M. Phoebe. 

Sir, H. B. M. Ship , Valparaiso , April 4, 1814. 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter of this day's date, protesting against the arrange¬ 
ment made in the paper you returned, and to express 
a regret that my wish, which was to alleviate and not 
increase the afilictions of your wounded officers and 
crew, has failed of being gratified. I am sorry you 
have thought proper to mention the dead and dying, 
as I so fully explained to you this morning, that in 
the event of the loss of any, other names should be 
added to the list. J shall now direct Capt. William 


118 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Porter to consider himself still a prisoner of war on 
his parole; but as I have ordered the people to go on 
board the Essex to work, under the impression that no 
difficulty would arise, will liberate in exchange for 
them an equal number of prisoners, as their names, 
being seamen, shall be found to follow each other on 
your late ship's book, and give up also two mates or 
midshipmen for the two mates which are of the En¬ 
glish party. I hope this may prove satisfactory to 
your government and self. 

I am yours, &,c. 

Capt. D. Porter. JAMES HILLYAR. 

Sir, Valparaiso , 5 April, 1S14. 

The arrangement which you have suggested respect¬ 
ing the exchange of the seamen of the Sir Andrew 
Hammond for an equal number of seamen of the late 
United States frigate Essex, as they stand on the list 
furnished you, is perfectly satisfactory. It will be great 
satisfaction to the three officers, who accompany the 
Essex, to know, that after your object in taking them 
with you shall be effected, there will be no dificulty 
in their proceeding immediately for the United States. 
I take the liberty therefore to suggest, that they might 
be exchanged here for Capt. William Porter and his 
three mates. This will be an accomodation to all 
parties, and reconcile the officers so exchanged to a 
separation from their friends. 

I have the honor to be, &,c. 

Com. James Hillyar, D. PORTER. 
Commanding H. M. frigate Phoebe. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN PORTER TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, JVeiv-York, July 13, 1814. 

There are some facts relating to our enemy, and al¬ 
though not connected with the action, serve to show 
his perfidy, and should be known. 

On Com. HiHyar’s arrival at Valparaiso, he ran the 
Phoebe close alongside of the Essex , and inquired po¬ 
litely after my health, observing, that his ship was 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


119 


cleared for action, and his men prepared for boarding, 
I observed, “Sir, if you by any accident, get on board 
of me, I assure you that great confusion will take 
place ; 1 am prepared to receive you, but shall only 
act on the defensive.” He observed, cooly and indif¬ 
ferently, “Ob, Sir, I have no such intention ;” at this 
instant bis ship took aback on my starboard bow, her 
yards nearly locking with those of the Essex. I called 
all hands to board the enemy ; and in an instant my 
crew w r ere ready to spring on he'r decks. Com. Hill- 
yar exclaimed, with great agitation, “ I had no inten¬ 
tion of getting on board of you ;—I had no intention 
of coming so near you ; I am sorry I come so near 
you.” His ship fell off with her jib-boom over my 
decks ; her bows exposed to my broadside, her stern 
to the fire of the Essex-Junior, her crew in the great¬ 
est confusion, and in fifteen minutes, I could have ta¬ 
ken or destroyed her. After he had brought his ship 
to anchor, Com. Hillyar and Capt. Tucker of the 
Cherub, visited me on shore ; when I asked him if he 
intended to respect the neutrality of the port ; “ Sir,” 
said he,“ you have paid such respect to the neutrality 
of this port, that I feel myself bound, in honor, to do 
the same. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

DAVID PORTER. 

After the capture of the Essex, Capt. Porter enter¬ 
ed into an arrangement with Com. Hillyar, to trans¬ 
port the survivors of his crew to the U. States in the 
Essex-Junior on parole, on condition that she should 
receive a passport to secure her from recapture and 
detention. On the 5th of July, fell in with H. B. M. 
ship Saturn, Capt. Nash, who examined the papers of 
the Essex-Junior, treated Capt. Porter with great ci¬ 
vility, furnished him with late newspapers, and sent 
him on board some oranges; and at the same time made 
him an offer of services. The boarding officer en¬ 
dorsed the passport, and permitted the ship to proceed. 
She stood on the same tack with the Saturn ; and 
about 2 hours aftewards was again brought to, the pa- 


120 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


pers examined, and the ship's hold overhauled by the 
boat's crew and an officer. Capt. Porter expressed 
his astonishment at such proceedings, and was inform¬ 
ed that Capt. Nash had his motives. It was stated 
that Com. Hillyar had no authority to make such ar¬ 
rangement ; that the passport must go on board of the 
Saturn again, and the Essex-Junior be detained. 
Capt. Porter then insisted that the smallest detention 
would be a violation of the contract on the part of the 
British* and that he should consider himself as the 
prisoner of Capt. Nash, and no longer on his parole ; 
at the same time offering his sword, which was refus¬ 
ed, assuring the officer he would deliver it up with the 
same feelings he had presented it to Com. Hillyar. 
The officer went on board, returned and informed 
Capt. Porter, that the Essex-Junior must remain all 
night under the lee of the Saturn. Then, said Capt. 
Porter, I am your prisoner ; I do not feel myself 
bound by any contract with Com. Hillyar, and I shall 
act accordingly. 

At 7 o'clock next morning, the wind being light 
from the southward, the ships being about 30 or 40 
miles from the land off the eastern part of Long Is¬ 
land, and about musket shot from each other, there 
appearing no disposition on the part of the enemy to 
liberate the Essex-Junior , Capt. Porter determined to 
attempt his escape. A boat was lowered down, man¬ 
ned and armed ; he desired Capt. Downes to inform 
Capt. Nash, that he was now satisfied that most Brit¬ 
ish naval officers were not only destitue of honor, but 
regardless of the honor of each other ; that he was 
armed and prepared to defend himself against their 
boats, if sent in pursuit of him; and that they must 
hereafter meet him as an enemy. He now pulled off 
from the ship, keeping the Essex-Junior in a direct line 
between him and the Saturn , and got near gun-shot 
from them before he was discovered ; at this instant 
a fresh breeze sprung up, and the Saturn made all sail 
in pursuit of him, but fortunately a thick fog set in&nd 
concealed him, when he changed his course, and elu- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


121 


ded them. During the fog he heard a firing, and on 
its clearing up discovered the Saturn in chase of the 
Essex-Junior , who soon brought her to. After row¬ 
ing and sailing about 60 miles, Capt. Porter succeed¬ 
ed, with great difficulty and hazard, in reaching the 
town of Babylon, (Long Island) where, being strong¬ 
ly suspected to be an English officer, he was closely 
interrogated, and his story appearing so extraordinary, 
none gave credit; but on showing his commission all 
doubts were removed, and he met from all the inhabi¬ 
tants the most friendly and hospitable reception. 

The following is a copy of the arrangement, con¬ 
cluded between Capt. Porter, in behalf of himself and 
crew, with Capt. Hillyar. 

By James Hillyar Esq . captain of H. B. M. Ship 

Phoebe , and senior officer of his majesty 9 s ships in 

Valparaiso Bay. 

I hereby certify, that I have on the part of his Brit¬ 
annic Majesty, entered into an agreement with Capt. 
David Porter, of the United States navy, and late 
commander of the frigate Essex , who, on the part of 
his government, engages as follows, to wit: That him¬ 
self, his officers and crew will proceed to the United 
States, in the ship called the Essex-Junior , as a car¬ 
tel, commanded by Lieut. John Downes, of the Uni¬ 
ted States navy, and having a crew, consisting of the 
officers and men, named in the annexed list. 

The said Capt. Porter, his officers and crew, a list 
of which is subjoined, will remain as prisoners of war 
on parole, not to take arms against Great Britain un¬ 
til regularly exchanged, and that he pledges his hon¬ 
or to fulfil the foregoing conditions. I therefore request, 
that said ship, the Essex-Junior , may be permitted to 
pass freely to the United States without any impedi¬ 
ment, and that the officers commanding the ships of 
war of his Britannic Majesty, as well as those of pri¬ 
vate armed vessels, and all others in authority under 
the British government, also those in alliance with his 
said majesty, will give the said David Porter, his offi- 


1 22 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


cers and crew, and the crew of the aforesaid ship 
called the Essex-Junior, every aid and assistance 
to enable them to arrive at the place of their desti¬ 
nation. 

And as it may become necessary for the Essex-Junior 
to touch at one or more places for the purpose of ob¬ 
taining refreshment and supplies, it is requested, that 
in such case all, to whom this passport may be present¬ 
ed, will give the persons on board said ship every fa¬ 
cility in supplying their wants, and permit them to de¬ 
part with her without hindrance. 

Given under my hand,on board his majesty’s ship 
Phoebe , at Valparaiso, April, 1814. 

A gentleman, who took part in the engagement, 
has related the following anecdotes exemplary of that 
fearless and patriotic spirit which animated the whole 
crew of the Essex, and which has characterized our 
hardy sailors in all their combats with the enemy. 
To the memory of these brave fellows their publicity 
is due ; and we doubt not many more instances of 
chivalrous heroism, resulting from a noble love of 
country, might be obtained and recorded, to the lasting 
honor of the American name. 

John Ripley, after losing his leg, said “ farewell, 
boys; I can be of no use to you and leaped out of 
the bow port. 

John Alvinson received a cannon ball (18 pounder) 
through the body; in the agony of death he exclaim¬ 
ed, “nev^r mind, shipmates ; I die in defence of £ Free 
trade and sailors’ r-i-g-h-t-s ; and expired with the 
word rights quivering on his lips. 

James Anderson had his left leg shot off, and died 
animating his shipmates to fight bravely in defence of 
liberty. 

After the engagement, Benjamin Hazen, having 
dressed himself in a clean shirt and jerkin, addressed 
his remaining messmates, and telling them he never 
could submit to be a prisoner to the English, threw 
himself into the sea. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


123 


LETTER FROM CAPT. HILLYAR TO COM. BROWN, STATIONED 
AT JAMAICA. 

His Majesty*s Ship Phoebe , 

Sir, Valparaiso Bay , 30 March , 1814. 

I have the honor to acquaint you that, at 3 o'clock, 
in the afternoon of the 28th instant, after nearly four 
months, anxious watching with his majesty's brig 
Cherub , for the United States frigate Essex and her 
companion to quit the port of Valparaiso, we saw the 
former under way, and immediately the two ships 
made sail to close with her. 

On rounding the outer point of the bay, and haul¬ 
ing her wind, for the purpose of endeavoring to weath¬ 
er us and escape, she lost her main top-mast, and af¬ 
terwards, not succeeding in an effort to regain the lim¬ 
its of the port, she bore up and anchored so near the 
shore (a few miles to leeward of it) as to preclude the 
possibility of either of his majesty's ships passing a- 
head of her without risk. As we drew near, my in¬ 
tention of going close under his stern was frustrated, 
from the ship's broaching off, and from the wind blow¬ 
ing extremely fresh. Our first fire commenced a little 
past 4, and continued about 10 minutes, but produced 
no visible effect; our second, a few random shot only, 
from having increased our distance by wearing, was 
not apparently more successful ; and having lost the 
use of our main-sail, jib, and main-stay appearances 
were a little inauspicious, in standing again towards 
her. I hailed the Cherub , and signified my intention 
of anchoring, to Capt. Tucker, for which we were not 
ready before with springs, directing him to keep un¬ 
der sail, and take a convenient station for annoying our 
opponent. 

On closing the Essex , at 35 minutes past 5, the firing 
commenced, and before I gained my intended position, 
her cables were cut, and a serious conflict ensued, the 
guns of his majesty's ship becoming gradually more 
destructive; and when it pleased the Almighty to 
bless the effort of my gallant companions, and my per- 


124 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


sonal, very humble ones, with victory. My friend, 
Capt. Tucker, an officer worthy of their lordship's 
best attention, was most severely wounded at the com¬ 
mencement of the action,but remained on deck till it ter¬ 
minated ; he also informs me that his officers and crew, 
of whose loyalty, zeal, and discipline I entertain the 
highest opinion, conducted themselves to his satisfac¬ 
tion. I have to lament the death of four of my brave 
companions, and one of his, and my first lieutenant 
among the number : he fell early. Our list of woun¬ 
ded is small. The conduct of my officers, &c. was 
such as became good and loyal subjects. 

The defence of the Essex , taking into consideration 
our great superiority of force, the very discouraging 
circumstances of having lost her main top-mast, and 
being twice on fire, did honor to her defender, and 
must fully prove the courage of Gapt. Porter. 

I was much hurt on hearing that her men had been 
encouraged, when the result of the action was evident¬ 
ly decided, some to take to their boats, and others to 
swim to the shore, many of whom were drowned in the 
latter attempt: sixteen were saved by the exertions 
of our people, and others, I believe between thirty and 
forty, effected their landing. I informed Capt. Porter, 
that I considered the latter, in point of honor, as my 
prisoners. He said the encouragement was given 
when the ship was in danger from fire, and I have not 
pressed the point. 

The Essex is completely stored and provisioned for 
six months, and although much injured in her upper 
works, masts and rigging, is not in such a state as to 
give the slightest cause of alarm respecting her being 
able to perform a voyage to Euorpe with perfect 
safety. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

JAMES HILLYAR, Captain . 

SEQUEL OP CAPTAIN PORTER’S EXPEDITION IN THE 
SOUTH SEA, 

On the 19th November, 1813, Capt. Porter took 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


125 


formal possession of the island, called by the natives 
Nooaheevah, generally known by the name of Sir 
Henry Martin’s island, but now called Madison Isl¬ 
and. It is situated between lat. 9° and 10° S. and in 
long. 140° VV. from Greenwich. 

The following is a letter from Capt. Gamble to Capt. 
Porter . 

Capt. Gamble, the reader will recollect, was left by 
Capt. Porter with a few men, in charge of two or 
three vessels and some public property, when he sailed 
from Madison Island for Valparaiso, previous to his 
ever memorable battle in the Essex. The following 
letter comprises all the subsequent occurrances : 

Sir, New-York, August 30, 1815. 

With regret I have to inform you, the frigate had not 
got clear of the Marqueses, before we discovered in 
the natives a hostile disposition towards us, who in a 
few days became so insolent, that I found it absolute¬ 
ly necessary, not only for the security of the ships, and 
property on shore, but for our personal safety, to land 
my men, and regain by force of arms the many things 
they had, in the most daring manner, stolen from the 
encampment; and what was of still greater impor¬ 
tance, to prevent, if possible, their putting threats into 
execution, which might have been attended with the 
most serious consequences on our part from duty re¬ 
quiring my men to be so much seperated. 

I however had the satisfaction to accomplish my 
wish without firing a musket, and from that time lived 
in the most perfect amity with them, until the 7th May 
following, when my destressed situation placed . 
me in their power. 

Before mentioning the lamentable events of that 
day, and the two succeeding ones, I shall give you a 
brief account of a few preceding occurrences, which 
were sources of great uneasiness to me. The first 
was the death of John Wetter, marine, who was un 
fortunately drowned in the surf, on the afternoon of 
the 28th February, and the desertion of four of my 


126 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


men. They took the advantage of a dark night, and 
left the bay unobserved by any person, all except¬ 
ing one, a prisoner, having the watch on deck. 
They took with them several muskets, a supply of am¬ 
munition, and many articles of but little value. My 
attempt to pursue them was prevented by their destroy¬ 
ing partially the only boat (near the beach) at that 
time sea-worthy. 

On the 12th April, began to rig the ships Seringap¬ 
atam and Sir Andrew Hammond , which, as I calcu¬ 
lated, employed the men until the 1st of May. All 
hands were then engaged in getting the remainder of 
the property from the Greenwich to the Seringapatam , 
as I began to despair of your rejoining me at that 
plac.e. 

The work went on well, and the men were obedient 
to my orders, though I discovered an evident change 
in their countenances, which led me to suppose there 
was something wrong in agitation, and under that im¬ 
pression, had all the muskets, ammunition, and small 
arms of every description, taken to the Greenwich , the 
ship I lived on board, from the other ships, as a ne¬ 
cessary precaution against a surprize from my own 
men. 

On the 7th May, while on board the Seringapatam , 
on duty, which required my being present, a mutiny 
took place, in which I was wounded, and the muti¬ 
neers succeeded in getting the Seringapatam out of 
the bay. Two days after, when making the necessary 
preparations to depart for Valparaiso, we were attack¬ 
ed by the savages, and I have, with the deepest re¬ 
gret, to inform you, sir, that Midshipman, William 
Felters, John Thomas, Thomas Gibbs, and William 
Brudinell, were massacred, and Peter Coddington, 
marine dangerously wounded. After bending the jib 
and spanker we cut our moorings, and fortunately had 
a light breeze, that carried the ship clear of the bay, 
with six cartridges remaining out of the only barrel 
left us by the mutineers. 

After getting out of the bay, we found our situation 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


127 


most distressing. In attempting to run the boat up, 
it broke in two parts, and we were compelled to cut 
away from the bows the only anchor, not being able to 
cat it. We mustered altogether eight souls, out of 
which there was one cripple, one dangerously woun¬ 
ded, one sick, one just recovering from the scurvy, and 
myself confined to the bed with a high fever, produc¬ 
ed by my wound. 

In that state, destitute of charts, and almost of eve¬ 
ry means of navigating the ship, I reached the Sand¬ 
wich Islands, after a passage of seventeen days, and 
suffering much from fatigue and hardships. I was 
there unfortunately captured by the English ship Cher¬ 
ub , remained a prisoner on board of her seven months, 
during which time my men were treated in a most 
shameful manner. We were then put on shore at Rio 
de Janeiro, without the possibility of getting away un¬ 
til after hearing of the peace. I then, by the advice 
of the physician who attended me, embarked on board 
a Swedish ship bound to Havre de Grace, (there be¬ 
ing no other means of my getting away at that time,) 
leaving behind Midshipman Clapp and five men, having- 
lost one soon after my arrival in that place with the 
small pox. 

On the 1st inst. lat. 47° N. long. 18° W. we fell in 
with the American ship Oliver Ellsworth, from Havre, 
bound to this port. I took a passage on board of her, 
and arrived here two days since, after being upwards 
of an hundred days at sea. I am at present unable to 
travel, and shall therefore await either your orders, or 
the orders of the commandant of the marine corps at 
this place. 

I have the honor to remain, 

with the highest respect and esteem, 
sir, your obed’t serv’t, 

JOHN M. GAMBLE 


128 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


PEACOCK AND EPERVIER. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. CHARLES MORRIS, 
COMMANDING THE U. S. SHIP ADAMS AT SAVANNAH,TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Savannah, May 2, 1814. 

I have the honor to inform you, that a fine brig of 
18 guns, prize to the United States sloop Peacock , 
anchored here this morning. She is much shattered in 
her hull, and damaged in her rigging, having fought 
45 minutes—her loss 8 killed and 15 wounded. The 
Peacock, 2 slightly wounded. She was chased on the 
30th April, by a frigate, hut escaped by running close 
in the shore in the night. Lieut. Nicholson, prize 
master, will forward you a more detailed account of 
this handsome affair. I am Ac. 

Hon. W. Jones Ac. C. MORRIS. 

LETTER FROM LIEUT. NICHOLSON TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

Sir, Savannah, May 1 , 1814. 

I have the honor to inform you of my arrival here in 
late his Britannic majesty’s brig Epervier, of eighteen 
32 pound carronades, Capt. Wales, captured by the 
sloop Peacock, on Friday morning, the 29th, off Cape 
Carnaveral, after an action of 45 minutes, in which 
time she was much cut up in hull, spars, rigging and 
sails, with upwards of five feet of water in her hold, 
having the weathergage. 

She has lost 8 killed and 15 wounded ; among the 
latter her first lieutenant, who has lost his arm. I am 
happy to say, the Peacock received no material inju¬ 
ry—her fore-yard and two men slightly wounded—she 
received not one shot in her hull. The brig had up¬ 
wards of one hundred thousand dollars on board. 

I have the honor to be Ac. 

JOHN B. NICHOLSON, 
Hon. Willim Jones, 

Sec’y of the navy . 





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I * 


















































































naval monument. 


129 


COPIES OF LETTERS FROM CAPT. WARRINGTON TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S . Sloop Peacock, at sea, lat 27° 47', long. 80° 9', 

29 April, 1814. 

I have the honor to inform you that we have this 
morning captured, after an action of 45 minutes, his 
majesty’s brig Epervier, rating and mounting 18 thir¬ 
ty-two pound carronades, with 128 men, of whom 8 
were killed and 15 wounded (according to the best in¬ 
formation we could obtain:) among the latter is her 1st 
lieutenant, who has lost an arm, and received a se¬ 
vere splinter wound on the hip. Not a man in the 
Peacock was killed, and only two wounded ; neither 
dangerously so. The fate of the Epervier would have 
been determined in much less time, but for the circum¬ 
stance of our foreyard being totally disabled by two 
round shot in the starboard quarter from her first 
broadside, w'hich entirely deprived us of the use of 
our fore and fore-top sail, and compelled us to keep 
the ship large throughout the remainder of the actiom 
This, with a few top-mast and top-gallant back-stays 
cut away, a few shot through our sails, is the only in¬ 
jury the Peacock has sustained. Not a round shot 
touched her hull ; our masts and spars are as sound 
as ever. When the enemy struck, he had five feet 
water in his hold, his main top-mast was over the side, 
his main-boom shot away, fore-mast cut nearly in two 
and tottering, his fore rigging and stays shot away, 
his bowsprit badly wounded, and 45 shot holes in his 
hull, 20 of which were within a foot of his water line. 
By great exertion we got her in sailing order just as 
dark came on. 

In fifteen minutes after the enemy struck, the Pea¬ 
cock was ready for another action, in every respect but 
her fore-yard, which was sent down, fished, and had 
the fore-sail set again in 45 minutes—such were the 
spirit and activity of our gallant crew. The Epervier 
had under convoy an English hermaphrodite brig, a 
Russian and a Spanish ship, all which hauled their 
17 


130 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


wind and stood to the E. N. E. I had determined 
upon pursuing the former, but found that it would not 
answer to leave our prize, in her then crippled state 
and the more particularly so, as we found she had in 
$ 120,000 in specie, which we soon transferred to this 
sloop. Every officer, seaman, and marine did his du¬ 
ty, which is the highest compliment I can pay them. 

I am respectfully, 

L. WARRINGTON. 

P. S. From Lieut. Nicholson's report, who was 
counting up the Epervier’s crew, there were ll killed 
and 15 wounded. L. W. 

Sir, Savannah, May 4, 1814. 

I have great satisfaction in being able to report to 
you the arrival of the Peacock at this anchorage to¬ 
day, and also the arrival of the Epervier on Monday 
last. I have now to detail to you the reason of our 
separation. We made sail as mentioned in my last, 
on the evening of the 29th of April. The next after¬ 
noon we were, at i past 5, abreast the centre of Amelia 
Island, with the vessels in sight over the land, when 
two large ships, which had been seen sometime pre¬ 
vious a little to the northward of the Island, were 
clearly ascertained to be frigates in chase of us. In 
this situation, at the suggestion of Lieut. Nicholson, 

I took out all but himself and sixteen officers and 
men, and stood to the southward along shore, on a 
wind, leaving him to make the best of his way for St. 
Mary’s ; which place I felt confident he would reach, 
as the weather frigate tvas in chase of the Peacock , 
and the other was too far to the leeward to fetch him : 
at 9 we lost sight of the chaser, but continued stand¬ 
ing all night to the southward, in hopes to get entirely 
clear of him. At day light we shortened sail and 
stood to the northward, and ;igain made the frigate, 
who gave chase the second time, which he continued 
until 2 P. M. when finding he could not come up, he 
desisted. In the evening we resumed our course, and 
saw nothing until day light on Tuesday morning, when 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


131 


a large ship, supposed to be the same, was again seen 
in chase of us, and again run out of sight. 

This morning, at i past 3, we made Tybee light, 
and at half past 8 anchored near the United States 
ship Adams. As the enemy is hovering near to St. 
Mary’s, I concluded he had received information of, 
and was waiting to intercept us. Accordingly we 
steered for this place, where we received intelligence 
of the Epervier’s arrival, after frightening off a launch 
which was sent from the enemy’s ship to leeward on 
Saturday evening to cut him off from the land. 

From the 18th of April to the 24th we saw but one 
neutral, and two privateers, both which were chased 
without overhauling although we ran one among the 
shoals of Cape Carnaveral, and followed him into four 
fathoms water. We have been to the southward as 
far as the Great Isaacs, and have cruised from them to 
Maranilla reef, and along the Florida shore to Cape 
Carnaveral. Not a single running vessel has been 
through the gulf in all this time. The fleet sailed 
from Jamaica under convoy of a 74, two frigates, and 
two sloops, from the 1st to the 10th of May. They 
are so much afraid of our cruisers, that several ships 
in the Havanna ready for sea, which intended to run 
it (as it is called) were forced to wait the arrival of 
the convoy from Jamaica. 

The Epervier and her convoy were the first En¬ 
glish vessels we had seen. 

We shall p/oceed in the execution of your further 
instructions, as soon as we can get a fore yard, pro¬ 
visions, and water. 

The Epervier is one of their finest brigs, and is 
well calculated for our service. She sails extremely 
fast, and will require but little to send her to sea, as 
her armament and stores are complete. 

I enclose you a list of the brig’s crew, as accurate¬ 
ly as we can get it. 

I am respectfully, 

L. WARRINGTON. 


m 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


U. S. Sloop Peacock , Savannah , 

Sir, 5 May , 1814 

As my letter of yesterday was too late for the mail, 
I address you again in the performance of a duty 
which is pleasing and gratifying to me in a high de¬ 
gree, and is but doing justice to the merits of the de¬ 
serving officers under my command, of whom I have 
hitherto refrained from speaking, as I considered it 
most correct to make it the subject of a particular 
communication. 

To the unwearied and indefatigable attention of 
Lieut. Nicholson (1st) in organizing and training the 
crew, the success of this action is in a great measure 
to be attributed. I have confided greatly in him, and 
have never found my confidence misplaced. For judg¬ 
ment, coolness, and decision in times of difficulty, few 
can surpass him. This is the second action in which 
he has been engaged in this war, and in both he has 
been successful. His greatest pride is to earn a com¬ 
mander’s commission by fighting for, instead of heir- 
ing it. 

From Lieut. Henly (2d,) and Lieut. Voorhees, (ac¬ 
ting 3d, who has also been twice successfully engaged,) 
I received every assistance that zeal, ardor, and ex¬ 
perience could afford. The fire from their two divisions 
was terrible, and directed with the greatest precision 
and coolness. 

In Sailing Master Percrval, whose great wish and 
pride it is to obtain a lieutenant’s commission, and 
whose unremitting and constant attention to duty, addr 
ed to his professional knowledge, entitles him to it 
in my opinion, I found an able, as well as willing as¬ 
sistant. He handled the ship, as if he had been work¬ 
ing her into a roadstead. Mr. David Cole, acting Car¬ 
penter, I have also found such an able and valuable 
man in his occupation, that I must request in the most 
earnest manner, that he may receive a warrant; for I 
feel confident, that to his uncommon exertion, we in a 
great measure owe the getting our prize into port. 
From 11 A. M. until 6 P. M. he was over her side, 


NAVAL MONUMENT- 


133 


stopping shot holes, on a grating, and, when the ordi¬ 
nary resources failed of success, his skill soon suppli¬ 
ed him with efficient ones. Mr. Philip Myers, mas¬ 
ters mate, has also conducted himself in such a man¬ 
ner as to warrant my recommendation of him as a 
master. He is a seaman, navigator, and officer ; his 
family in New-York is respected, and he would prove 
an acquisition to the service. My clerk, Mr. John S. 
Townsend is anxious to obtain through my means a 
midshipman’s warrant, and has taken pains to qualify 
himself for it by volunteering, and constantly perform¬ 
ing a midshipman’s duty—indeed, I have but little use 
for a clerk, and he is as great a proficient as any of the 
young midshipmen, the whole of whom behaved in a 
manner that was pleasing to me, and must be gratify¬ 
ing to you, as it gives an earnest of what they will 
make in time—3 only have been to sea before, and 1 
only in a man of war, yet they were as much at home, 
and as much disposed to exert themselves as any offi¬ 
cer in the ship. Lieut. Nicholson speaks in high termp 
of the conduct of Messrs Greeves and Rodgers, mid¬ 
shipmen, who were in the prize with him. 

I have the honor to be, 

sir, very respectfully, your obe’t serv’t, 

L. WARRINGTON. 

Hon. William Jones, &c. 

UNOFFICIAL PARTICULARS. 

The Epervier , being to windward, gallantly met the 
Peacock ; but the battle would have ended very soon, 
had not Capt. Warrington hailed, to ascertain whether 
she had struck, (her colors being shot away,) by the 
time spent in which he lost a commanding position ; 
for the action appeared to have ceased for the moment, 
and the brave Warrington would not shed blood wan¬ 
tonly. The force of the vessels in guns and weight 
of metal is the same, each rating 18, and carrying 22 ; 
but in men we had some superiority, the British hav¬ 
ing only 128, and we about 160 ; but the disparity of 
the execution done excites anew our wonder. The 


134 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


hull of the Peacock was not struck by a round shot, 
whereas on the larboard side of the Epervier between 
50 and 60 took effect, many of them within a foot of 
the water line, and she was otherwise dreadfully maul¬ 
ed, and had one of her guns dismounted, with 5 feet 
water in her hold. She is one of the finest vessels of 
her class in the British navy, built in 1812. It is said 
that 4 c when she left London, bets were three to one, 
that she would take an x\merican sloop of war or 
small frigate.” 

The Peacock's length is 118 ft.—breadth of beam 
32 ft.—depth of hold 14 ft.—tonnage 509—she mounts 
20 guns—had 160 men—killed jione, wounded 2, shots 
in her hull, none. The Epervier 1 s length 107 ft.— 
breadth of beam 32 ft.—depth of hold 14 ft.—-tonnage 
477. She mounted 18 guns, same calibre with those 
of the Peacock— had 128 men—killed 11, wounded 
15, shots in her hull 45 ! 

The Epervier was sold at Savannah and purchased 
by government for fifty five thousand dollars. 


WASP AND REINDEER. 

LETTER FROM JOHNSTON BLAKELEY TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Wasp , L 1 Orient, 8 July , 1814. 

On Tuesday, the 28th ult. being then in lat. 48° 36' 
N. and long. 11° 15' W. we fell in with, engaged, 
and after an action of 19 minutes, captured, his Brit¬ 
annic Majesty's sloop of war the Reindeer , William 
Manners Esq. commander. Annexed are the minutes 
of our proceedings prior to, and during the continu¬ 
ance of the action. 

Where all did their duty, and each appeared anxious 
to excel, it is very difficult to discriminate. It is, 
however, only rendering them their merited due, when 
it is declared of Lieuts. Reilly and Bury, 1st and 3d 
of this vessel, and whose names will be among those 
of the conquerors of the Guerriere and Java ; and of 
Mr. Tillinghast, 2d lieutenant, who was greatly in- 


















































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THE WASP AND REINDEER. 



































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


135 


strumental in the capture of the Boxer , that their con¬ 
duct and courage on this occasion fulfilled the highest 
expectation and gratified every wish. Sailing Master 
Carr is also entitled to great credit for the zeal and 
ability with which he discharged his various duties. 

The cool and patient conduct of every officer and 
man, while exposed to the fire of the shifting guns of 
the enemy, and without an opportunity of returning it, 
could only be equalled by the animation and ardor 
exhibited, when actually engaged, or by the prompti¬ 
tude and firmness with which every attempt of the en¬ 
emy to board was met and successfully repelled. 
Such conduct may be seen but cannot well be de¬ 
scribed. 

The Reindeer mounted sixteen 241b. carronades, 
two long 6 or 9 pounders, and a shifting 12 pound oar- 
ronade, with a complement on board of 118 men. 
Her crew were said to be the pride of Plymouth. 

Our loss in men has been severe, owing in part to 
the proximity of the two vessels and the extreme 
smoothness of sea, but chiefly in repelling board¬ 
ers. That of the enemy, however, was infinitely 
more so, as will be seen by the list of killed and woun¬ 
ded on both sides. 

Six round shot struck our hull, and many grape 
which did not penetrate far. The fore-mast received 
a 24lb. shot which passed through its centre, and our 
rigging and sails were a good deal injured. 

The Reindeer was literally cut to pieces in a line 
with her ports ; her upper works, boats, and spare 
spars were one complete wreck. A breeze springing 
up next afternoon, her fore-mast went by the board. 

Having received all the prisoners on board, which 
from the number of wounded occupied much time, to¬ 
gether with their baggage,the Reindeer was on the eve¬ 
ning of the 29th set on fire, and in a few hours blew up. 

I have the honor to be* 

very respectfully, your most obe’t serv’t, 

J. BLAKELEY 

Hon. William Jones, &c. 




136 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Minutes of the action between the U. S. Sloop Wasp , 
and H. B. M. Sloop Reindeer on the 28th of June 
1814, in lat. 48° 36' JV. and long. 11° 15' W. 

At 4 A. M. light breezes and cloudy ; at % after 4, 
discovered two sails, two points before the lee-beam, 
kept away in chase ; shortly after discovered one sail 
on the weather beam ; altered the course and hauled 
by in chase of the sail to windward ; at 8, sailed to 
windward, bore E, N. E. wind very light; at 10, the 
stranger sail, bearing E. by N. hoisted an English 
ensign and pendant, and displayed a signal at the 
main (blue and yellow diagonally,) Meridian, light 
airs and cloudy ; at j past 12, the enemy showed a 
blue and white flag diagonally at the fore, and fired a 
gun; 15 minutes after 1, called all hands to quarters 
and prepared for action ; 22 minutes after 1, believ¬ 
ing we could weather the enemy, tacked ship and 
stood for him ; 50 minutes after 1, hoisted our colors 
and fired a gun to windward, which was answered by 
the enemy with another to windward ; 20 minutes af¬ 
ter 2, the enemy still standing from us, set the royals ; 
25 minutes after 2, set the flying gib ; 29 minutes af¬ 
ter 2, set the upper stay-sails ; 32 minutes after 2, the 
enemy having tacked for us, took in the stay-sails ; 37 
minutes after 2, furled the royals : 51 minutes after 2, 
seeing that the enemy would be able to weather us, 
tacked ship ; 3 minutes after 3, the enemy hoisted his 
flying gib ; brailed up our mizen; 15 minutes after 3, 
the enemy on our Weather quarter, distant about sixty 
yards, fired his shifting gun, a 121b. carronade, at us, 
loaded with round and grape shot, from his top-gal¬ 
lant fore-castle ; 17 minutes after 3, fired the same 
gun a second time ; 19 minutes after 3, fired it a third 
time ; 21 minutes after 3, fired it a fourth time, 24 
minutes after 3, a fifth shot, all from the same gun. 
Finding the enemy did not get sufficiently on the beam 
to enable us to bring our guns to bear, put the helm 
a-lee, and at 26 minutes after 3, commenced the ac¬ 
tion with the after carronade on the starboard side, 
and fired in succession ; 34 minutes after 3, hauled up 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


137 


the main-sail; 40 minutes after 3, the enemy having 
his bow in contact with our larboard quarter, endeav¬ 
ored to board us, but was repulsed in every attempt; 
at 44 minutes after 3, orders were given to board in 
turn, which were promptly executed, when all resis¬ 
tance immediately ceased ; and at 45 minutes after 3, 
the enemy hauled down his flag. 

J. BLAKELY, 

List of killed and wounded on board the United 

States sloop of war Wasp , in the action with the 

Reindeer. 

Killed —Five seamen. 

Wounded —Twenty one. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Killed - 5 

Wounded - 21 

List of the killed and wounded on board his B. M. 
sloop of war Reindeer. 

Killed —William Manners, Esq. commander; 
John Thos. Barton, and 23 petty officers and sea¬ 
men. 

Wounded —Thos. Chambets, 1st lieutenant: Rich¬ 
ard Jones, master, and 40 petty officers and seamen. 

recapitulation. 


Killed 35 

Wounded—dangerously - 10 

Severely - 1? 

Slightly - 15 

Whole number wounded 42 


N. B. More than half the wounded were, in conse¬ 
quence of the severity and extent of their wounds, put 
on board a Portuguese brig, called the Lisbon Packet , 
on the third day after action, to wit, 1st July, bound 
to ply mouth, England, 


138 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN J. BLAKELEY TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Was} j, L’Orient, 8 July, 1814. 

I have the honor to announce to you the arrival of this 
ship to day at this place.—By the pilot who carried us 
out of Portsmouth N. H. I had the satisfaction to make 
you acquainted with our having left that place, and 
again had the pleasure of addressing you by the French 
national brig Olive, and which was the first vessel we had 
spoken since our departure from the United States. 
From the time of our sailing I continued the rout 
pointed out in your instructions, until our arrival at 
this place, during which we have been so fortunate as 
to make several captures ; a list of which will accom¬ 
pany this.—-These with their cargoes were wholly des¬ 
troyed, with one exception. This was the Galliott 
Henrietta, which was permitted to return with prison¬ 
ers,38 in number, after throwing overboard the greater 
part of her cargo,leaving only sufficient to ballast her. 
When arrived on our crusing ground, I found it im¬ 
possible to maintain any thing like a station, and was 
led, in chase, farther up the English channel then was 
intended. After arriving on soundings, the number 
of neutrals, which are now passing, kept us almost 
constantly in pursuit. It gives me much pleasure to 
state to you the very healthy condition of the crew of 
the Wasp during the cruise: sometimes without one 
on the sick list, and at no time any who remained 
there more than a few days. Great praise is due to 
Dr. Clark for his skill and attention at ail times ; but 
particularly after the action with the Reindeer, his 
unweared assiduity to the necessities of the wounded 
was highly conspicious. 

The ship is at present under quarantine, but we ex¬ 
pect to be released from it tomorrow, when the woun¬ 
ded will be sent to the hospital, and every exertion 
made to prepare the Wasp for sea. 

I have the honor to be 5 very respectfully* 

your most obedient servant, 

Hon. Wm. Jones, J. BLAKELEY. 

Secretary of the navy. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


139 


LETTER FROM CAPTAIN BLAKELEY TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Wasp, L y Orient, 10 July, 1814. 

After the capture of his B. M. sloop of war, the 
Reindeer ,it was my wish to have continued the cruise, 
as directed by you. I was however necessitated 
to relinquish this desire after a few days, from a 
consideration of the wounded of our crew, whose 
wounds had at this season become offensive, and ag¬ 
gravated by the number of prisoners on hoard at the 
time; being seventy-seven in number. Fearing, from 
the crowded state of the Wasp, that some valuable 
lives might be lost, if retained on board, was compel¬ 
led, though with reluctance, to make the first neutral 
port. Those belonging to the Reindeer, who were 
dangerously wounded, were put on board a Portuguese 
brig bound to England three days after the action, 
and from the winds which prevailed, arrived prob¬ 
ably in two or three days after their departure. 
Their surgeon, the captain's clerk, and officers' 
servants, and the crew of the Orange Boren, were 
put on board of the same vessel to attend upon 
them. Since our arrival at this place we have expe¬ 
rienced every civility from the public authorities. Our 
quarantine was only for a few hours, and our wounded, 
fourteen in number, were carried yesterday to the hos¬ 
pital, where they were comfortably situated. Our 
fore-mast, although badly wounded, can be repaired, 
and will be taken on shore as soon as possible. All 
other damages sustained can be repaired by ourselves. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELY. 

.LETTER FROM J. BLAKELEY ESQ. TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

U. S. Sloop of war Wasp, at sea , off Belle Jsle, 
g IR5 21 August, 1814. 

It is with sincere sorrow that I have to announce to 
you the decease of Midshipmen Henry S. Langdon 


140 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


and Frank Toscan. They were wounded in the ren¬ 
contre with the Reindeer , and all our efforts to save 
them, after our arrival, proved unavailing. It was 
their first essay, and although wounded, remained at 
their posts until the contest terminated. The constan¬ 
cy and courage with which they bore their sufferings 
leads to the melancholy, though proud reflection, of 
what they might have been, had providence ordained 
otherwise. Every respect due to worth was shown to 
their memory. 

It is with regret that I have to inform you of the 
delays we have experienced at this place, but had 
they been of shorter duration, we could not possibly 
have sailed, as one continued westerly wind has pre¬ 
vailed from the hour of our arrival up to the present 
day. 

The course pointed out in your instructions having 
been interrupted, I shall endeavor to fulfil your further 
intentions as far as possibly be in my power. 

With great satisfaction, I add, that every aid in 
the power of Mr. Crawford has been promptly affor¬ 
ded, and that I feel under many obligations to him for 
his attention and assistance. 

We are now off this place with a fair wind and fa¬ 
vorable prospects. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELY. 


WASP AND AVON. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. BLAKELEY TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

U. S. Sloop Wasp , at sea^lat. 41° N. long. 11° W 
Sir, 11//i Sept. 1814. 

After a protracted and tedious stay at L’Orient, 
had at last the pleasure of leaving that place on Sat¬ 
urday, 27th of August. On the 30th, captured the 
British brig Lettice , Henry Cockbain master ; and on 



THE WASP AND 


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NAVAL MONUMENT. 


141 


the 31st of August, the British brig Bon Accord , 
Adam Durno master. In the morning of the 1st of 
September, discovered a convoy of 10 sail to leward, 
in charge of the Armada 74, and a bomb ship ; stood 
for them and succeeded in cutting out the British brig 
Mary, John D. Allen master, laden with brass can¬ 
non, taken from the Spaniards, iron cannon and mili¬ 
tary stores from Gibraltar to England : removed the 
prisoners, set her on fire, and endeavored to capture 
another of the convoy, but was chased off by the Ar¬ 
mada. On the evening of the same day at £ past 6, 
while going free, discovered four vessels, nearly at 
the same time, two on the starboard, and two on the 
larboard bow,being the farthest to windward. At 7, the 
chase, a brig, commenced making signals, with flags, 
which could not be distinguished, for want of light, and 
soon after made various ones, with lanterns, rockets, 
and guns. At 29 minutes after 9, having the chase 
under our leebow, the 131b. caronade was directed to 
be fired into him, which he returned; ran under his 
lee-bow to prevent his escaping, and commenced the 
action. At 10 o’clock, believing the enemy to be si¬ 
lenced, orders were given to cease firing, when I hail¬ 
ed and asked if he had surrendered. No answer 
being given to this and his firing having recommen¬ 
ced, it was agained returned. At 12 minutes after 
10, the enemy having suffered greatly, and having 
made no return to our last two broadsides, I hail¬ 
ed him the second time to know if he had suren- 
dered, when he answered in the affirmative. The 
guns w T ere then ordered to be secured, and the boat 
lowered to take posession. In the act of lowering 
the boat, a second brig was discovered a little distance 
astern and standing for us. Sent the crew to their 
quarters, prepared every thing for another action, and 
awaited his coming up. At 36 minutes after 10, dis¬ 
covered two more sails astern, standing towards us. I 
now felt myself compelled to forgo the satisfaction of 
destroying the prize. Our braces having been cut 
away, we kept off the wind until others could be rove, 


142 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


and with the expectation of drawing the second brig 
from his companions; but in this last we were disappoin¬ 
ted. The second brigcontinued to approach us until she 
came close to our stem, when she haulted by the 
wind, fired her broadside, which cut our rigging and 
sails considerably, and shot away a lower main cross 
tree, and retraced her steps to join her consorts ; 
when we were necessitated to abandon the prize. He 
appeared in every respect a total wreck. He contin¬ 
ued for some time firing guns of distress, until proba¬ 
bly delivered by the two last vessels who made their 
appearance. 

The second brig could have engaged us if he 
thought proper, as he neared us fast : but contented 
himself with firing a broadside, and immediately re¬ 
turned to his companions. 

It is with real satisfaction I have again the pleasure 
of bearing testimony to the merits of Lieut. Reilly, 
Tillinghast, Baury and Sailing Master Carr: and to 
the good conduct of every officer and man on board 
the Wasp. Their divisions and departments were 
attended and supplied with the utmost regularity and 
abundance, which, with the good order maintained, 
together with the vivacity and precision of their fire, 
reflects on them the greatest credit. Our loss is I wo 
killed, and one slighily wounded with a wad. The 
hull received four round shot, and the fore-mast many 
grape shot. Our rigging and sails suffered a great 
deal. Every damage has been repaired the day after, 
with the exception of our sails. 

Of the vessels with whom we were engaged, noth¬ 
ing positive can be said with regard to her name or 
force. While hailing him previous to his being fired 
into, it was blowing fresh (then going ten knots) and 
the name was not distinctly understood. Of her force, 
the four shot which struck us are all 32 pounds in 
weight, being a pound and three quarters heavier than 
any belonging to this vessel. From this circumstance, 
the number of men in her tops, her general appear- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 143 

ance and great length, she is believed to be one of the 
largest brigs in the British navy. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 
your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELEY. 

P. S. I am told the enemy, after his surrender, 
asked for assistance, and said he was sinking—the 
probability of this is confirmed by his firing single 
guns for some time after his capture. 

List of Killed and toounded on board the U. S. Stoop 
of ivar the Wasp Johnston Blakeley , Esq. comman¬ 
der,in the action with his Britannic Majesty,s Sloop 
of tear - ,on the 1st of September 1814. 

Killed —Joseph Martin, boatswain ; Henry Sta¬ 
ples, quarter gunner. 

Wounded —One. seaman. 

RECAPITULATION, 

Killed - - - 2 

Wounded - - 1 

Total 3 

Extract of a private letter from an officer of the Uni¬ 
ted States Sloop Wasp. 

At sea , September 23,1814. 

“ Capt. Blakely, I believe, sends official accounts 
up to this date, doubtless for publication. To his let¬ 
ters therefore I refer you for correct particulars regar¬ 
ding our cruise. 

“ The Wasp has been one of the most successful 
cruisers out of the United States. She has been the 
favorite of Fortune, and we offer thanks to divine 
Providence for its support and protection. 

She has now been three months and five days at 
sea, with a complement of 173 men, whose ages aver¬ 
age only 23 years. The greatest part so green, that 
is, unaccustomed to the sea, that they were sick for a 
week. In that time however she has destroyed twelve 



144 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


British merchant vessels and their cargoes, the whole 
value of which, I presume, was not less than 200,000 
pounds sterling. The thirteenth merchantman we are 
now despatching to the United States. She is the 
first we have attempted to send in but being an uncom¬ 
mon fast sailer, we have great hopes of her safe arrival; 
and for my part, with judicious management, I have 
no doubt of it. She is a very beautiful brig of 253 
tons, coppered to the,bends and copper fastened, and 
has a very valuable cargo on board, consisting of 
brandy, wines, cambrics, &c. She was from Liver¬ 
pool bound to Bordeaux, thence to Pensacola. 

“ The Wasp is a beautiful ship, and the finest sea 
boat, I believe in the world ; our officers and crew, 
young and ambitious—they fight with more cheerful¬ 
ness than they do any other duty. CapL Blakeley is 
a brave and discreet officer; as cool and collected in 
action as at table.” 

BRITISH ACCOUNT. 

Cork, September 7, 1814. 

On Thursday last, his Majesty’s ships Castillian, 
Lieut.Lloyd,(acting) and Avon Hon. Capt. Arbuthnot, 
having sailed hence about a month ago, gave chase to 
an American schooner privateer, (having previously 
recaptured a vessel taken by her,) but owing to the 
superior sailing of the Castillian , she left the Avon a 
considerable distance behind, who, after a short time, 
found herself in sight of a vessel, which she hailed 
and demanded who she was ; upon which she replied, 
“ heave to, and I’ll let you know who I am ; (this was 
about 9 at night,) and fired a gun at the Avon, when 
a most sanguinary action commenced, which continu¬ 
ed until 11 o’clock; she then sheared off, and said, 
“this is the Wasp .” She appeared in a sinking state, 
and glad to get off. The Avon then fired signal guns 
to the Castillian. Upon the Castillian coming to the 
Avon, she fell in with the Wasp, and demanded who 
she was ; to which she made no answer. The Castill¬ 
ian luffed under her lee quarter and gave her a broad- 



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NAVAL MONUMENT. 


145 


side, and then hailed again—but no answer, nor yet a 
single musket fired. The Castillian finding the sink¬ 
ing state of the Avon , made every effort to save the 
lives of her brave crew : fortunately the whole were 
saved. As the last boat with the wounded had got 
about half way to the Castillian , the Avon went down 
head foremost. 

We lament to say, that between the second and 
third broadside, Lieut. Prendergast, the gallant first 
lieutenant of the Avon received a mortal wound 
across the belly, from a grape shot, while in the act 
of cheering the crew. The Avon had nine killed and 
thirty three wounded. As soon as the Castillian had 
discharged the duties of humanity, in taking on board 
the Avon's crew, she made all sail for the Wasp , who 
appeared so cut up, as to be in a sinking state ; but 
could not make out any trace whatever of her. 

Names of the superior officers on board the. Avon : 
lion. John James Arbuthnot, captain ; John Harvey, 
first lieutenant; John Prendergast, second do. ; and 
James Allen, master. 

The Tartarus sloop of war, joined the Castilian 
as the Avon was sinking, and took on board forty of 
her men. 


VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 

COPIES OF LETTERS FROM COM. MAODONOUGH TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga , off Plattsburg , 
g IR) September 11, 1814. 

The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a sig¬ 
nal victory on Lake Champlain, in the capture of 1 
frigate, 1 brig, and 2 sloops of war of the enemy, 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hon William Jones, T. MACDONOUGH. 
Sec’y of the navy. 



146 


If A V AL MONUMENT. 


Sir, September 13, 1814. 

By Lieut. Commandant Cassin, I have the honor to 
convey to you the flags of his Britannic Majesty’s 
late squadron, captured on the 11th inst. by the United 
States squadron under my command. Also my des¬ 
patches relating to that occurance, which should have 
been in your possession at an earlier period, but for the 
difficulty in arranging different statements. 

The squadron under my command now lies at Platts- 
burg. It will bear considerable diminution, and still 
leave a force sufficient to repel any attempt of the ene¬ 
my in this quarter. I shall wait your order what to 
do with the whole or any part thereof. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon W. Jones, T. MACDONOUGH. 

Secretary of the navy. 

Sir, September 13, 1814. 

I have the honor to give you the particulars of the 
action which took place on the 11th instant on this 
lake. 

For several days the enemy were on their way to 
Plattsburg, by land and water, and it being well un¬ 
derstood that an attack would be made at the same 
time by their land and naval forces, I determined to 
await at anchor the approach of the latter. 

At 8 A. M. the look-out boat announced the ap¬ 
proach of the enemy. At 9 he anchored in a line 
ahead, at about 300 yards distance from my line; 
his ship opposed to the Saratoga , his brig to the Ea¬ 
gle, Capt. Robert Henly his galleys, 13 in number, to 
the schooner, sloop, and a division of our galleys ; I 
of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other 
assisting their galleys : our remaining galleys with the 
Saratoga and Eagle. 

In this situation the whole force on both sides be¬ 
came engaged, the Saratoga suffering much from the 
heavy fire of the Oonfiance. I could perceive at the 
same time, however, that our fire was very destructive 
to her. The Ticonderoga , Lieut. Com. Cassin } gal¬ 
lantly sustained her full share of the action. At j past 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


147 


10 o'clock, the Eagle , not being able to bring her guns 
to bear, cut her cable and anchored in a more eligible 
position, between my ship and the Ticonderoga, where 
she was much annoyed by the enemy, but unfortunate¬ 
ly leaving me exposed to a gajling fire from the ene¬ 
my’s brig. Our guns on the starboard side being 
nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a stern an¬ 
chor was let go, the bow cable cut, and the ship win¬ 
ded with a fresh broadside on the enemy’s ship, which 
soon after surrendered. Our broadside was then 
sprung to bear on the brig, which surrendered in 15 
minutes after. 

The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle had struck 
some time before and drifted down the line, the sloop 
which was with their galleys having struck also. 

Three of their galleys are said to be sunk; the 
others pulled off. Our galleys were about obeying 
with alacrity the signal to follow them, when all the 
vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking state ; 
it then became necessary to annul the signal to the 
galleys and order their men to the pumps. 

I could only look at the enemy’s galleys going off 
in a shattered condition, for there was not a mast in 
either squadron that could stand to make sail on ; the 
lower rigging being nearly all shot away, hung down 
as though it had been just placed over the mast heads. 

The Saratoga had 55 round shot in her hull, the 
Conjiance 105. The enemy’s shot passed principally 
just over our heads, as there were not 20 whole ham¬ 
mocks in the nettings at the close of the action, which 
lasted without intermission 2 hours and 20 minutes. 

The absence and sickness of Lieut.Raymond Perry, 
left me without the services of that excellent officer ; 
much ought fairly to be attributed to him for his great 
care and attention hi disciplining the ship’s crew as 
her 1st Lieutenant. His place was filled by a gallant 
young officer, Lieut. Peter Gamble, who, I regret to 
inform you was killed early in the action. Acting 
Lieut. Valette worked the 1st and 2d divisions of guns 
with able effect. Sailing-Master Bfum’s attention to 


148 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the springs, and in the execution of the order to wind 
the ship, and occasionally at the guns, meets with my 
entire approbation, also Capt. Youngs, commanding 
the acting marines, who took his men to the guns. 
Mr. Beale, purser, was of great service at the guns, 
and in carrying my orders throughout the ship, with 
Midshipman Montgomery. Master’s Mate Joshua 
Justin, had command of the 3d division : his conduct 
during the action was that of a brave and correct of¬ 
ficer. Midshipmen Monteath, Graham, Williamson, 
Platt, Thwing, and acting Midshipman Baldwin, all 
behaved well, and gave evidence of their making valu¬ 
able officers. 

The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot from 
the enemy’s ship. 

I close, sir, this communication with feelings of 
gratitude for the able support I received from every 
officer and man attached to the squadron which I have 
the honor to command. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, 

Sir your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, T. MACDONOJJGH. 

Secretary of the navy. 

P. S. Accompanying this is a list of killed and 
wounded, a list of prisoners, and a precise statement 
of both forces engaged. Also letters from Capt. Hen¬ 
ley and Lieut. Com. Cassin. T. M. 

Return of hilled and ivounded on board the United 
States squadron on Lake Champlain , in the en¬ 
gagement with the British fleet on the 11th Sep¬ 
tember , 1814. 

Ship Saratoga. Killed— Peter Gamble, lieu¬ 
tenant ; Thomas Butler, quarter gunner ; James Nor- 
berry, boatswain’s mate; Abraham Davis, quarter 
master; William Wyer, sail maker; and twenty-three 
seamen. 

Wounded—T wenty-nine. 

Brig Eagle. Killed—T hirteen. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


149 


Wounded —Joseph Smith, lieutenant; William 
A. Spencer, acting lieutenant; Francis Breeze, mas¬ 
ter’s mate ; Abraham Walters, pilot; and sixteen sea¬ 
men. 

Schooner Ticonderoga. Killed —John Stansbury, 
lieutenant; John Fisher and John Atkinson, boat¬ 
swain’s mates ; and three seamen. 

Wounded— Six. 

Sloop Preble. Killed —Two. 

Wounded—N one. 

Gun-boat Borer. Killed —Three. 

Wounded —One. 

Gun-boat Centipede. Wounded —One. 

Gun-boat Wilmer. Wounded —One. 



RECAPITULATION. 


Killed . 

Wounded. 

Saratoga - 

- 28 

29 

Eagle 

- 13 

20 

Ticonderoga 

- 6 

6 

Preble 

- 2 

0 

Borer 

- 3 

1 

Centipede - 

- 0 

1 

Wilmer 

- 0 

1 

Total 

52 

58 


Gun-boats Nettle , Mien , Viper , Burroivs , Ludlow , 
Mwyn , Ballard —None killed or wounded. 

GEORGE BEALE, jr. Purser. 

Statement of the American force engaged on the 
llth September , 1814. 

Saratoga , eight long 24 pounders, six 42 pound 
carronades, and twelve 32 pound carronades - 26 
Eagle , twelve 23 pound carronades, and eight 
long 18s - - - - 20 

Ticonderoga , eight long 12 pounders, four long 
IS pounders, and five 32 pound carronades - 17 

Preble seven long 9 pounders - 7 

Ten galleys, viz.— Allen , Burrows , Borer , Net- 


150 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tie , Viper , Centipede , one long 24 pounder 
and one 18 pound columbiad each 12 

Ludlow , Wihner , Jllwin , Ballard , 1 long 12 
pounder each.4 

Guns, 86 

Recapitulation —fourteen long 24 pounders, six 42 
pound carronades, twenty-nine 32 pound carronades, 
twelve long 18 pounders, twelve long 12 pounders, 
seven long 9 pounders, six 18 pound columbiads. 
Total 86 guns. 

T. MACDONOUGH 

Statement of the Enemy's force engaged on the llth 
of September , 1814. 

Frigate Confiance , twenty-seven long 24 pounders, 


four 32 pound carronades, six 24 pound car¬ 
ronades, and two long 18 pounders on the birth 
deck - - - - - 39 

Brig Linnet , Sixteen long twelve pounders - 16 

Sloop Chub ,* ten 18 pound carronades, one long 

6 pounder - - - - 11 

Sloop Finch , * six 18 pound carronades, one 18 
pound columbiad, and four long 6 pounders - 11 

Thirteen galleys, viz .—Sir James Yeo , Sir George 
Frevost , Sir Sidney Beckivith, one long 24 
pounder, and one 32 lb. carronade each - 6 

Broke , one 18 pounder, and one 32 lb. carronade - 2 
Murry , one 18 pounder, and one IS lb. carronade - 2 
Wellington , Tecumseh , and one other, name un¬ 
known, one 18 pounder each 3 

Drummond , Simcoe and 3 others, names un¬ 
known, one 32 lb carronade each - - 5 

Total, guns, 95 


Recapitulation —thirty long 24 pounders, seven 18 
pounders, sixteen 12 pounders, five 6 pounders, thir¬ 
teen 32 pound carronades, six 24 pound carronades, 

* These sloops were formerly the U. S. Growler and Eagle. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


151 


seventeen 18 pound carronades, one 18 pound colum- 
biad. Total 95 guns. 

T. MACDONOUGH 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. CASSIN TO COM. MACDO¬ 
NOUGH. 

U. S. Schooner Ticonderoga, Plattsburg Bay, 
Sir, September 12, 1814. 

It is with pleasure I state, that every officer 
and man under my command did their duty yesterday. 

Your's respectfully, 

Com. T. Macdonough. STEPHEN CASSIN, 

Lieut, commanding. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. HENLEY TO COM. MAC¬ 
DONOUGH. 

Sir, U. S. Brig Eagle, Plattsburg , Sept. 12, 1814. 

I am happy to inform you that all my officers and 
men acted bravely, and did their duty in the battle of 
yesterday with the enemy. 

I shall have the pleasure of making a more partic¬ 
ular representation of the respective merits of my gal¬ 
lant officers to the honorable the secretary of the 
navy. 

I have the honor to be, respectfully, 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 

R. HENLEY. 

P. S. We had 39 round shot in our hull (mostly 24 
pounders) 4 in our lower masts—and we were well 
peppered with grape. I enclosed my boatswain's 
report. R. H. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM GEORGE BEALE, JR. TO COM. 
MACDONOUGH* 

Sir, U. S. Ship Saratoga Sept. 13, 1814. 

I have the honor to enclose you a list of the killed 
and wounded on board the different vessels of the 
squadron under your command, in the action of the 
11th inst. 


152 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


It is impossible to ascertain correctly the loss of 
the enemy. From the best information received from 
the British officers, from my own observations, and 
from various lists found on board the Confiance , I 
calculate the number of men on board that ship at the 
commencement of the action at 270, of whom at least 
180 were killed and wounded, and on board the other 
captured vessels at least 80 more, making in the whole, 
killed and wounded, 260. This is doubtless short of 
the real number, as many were thrown overboard from 
the Confiance during the engagement. 

The muster books must have been thrown overboard, 
or otherwise disposed of, as they are not to be found. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

your obedient servant, 

GEORGE BEALE, jr. Purser. 

Com. T. Macdonough. 

List of British officers captured on the 11 th Sep¬ 
tember, on Lake Champlain , and sent to Greenbush. 

Capt. Daniel Fring, on parole; Lieutenants Hicks, 
Creswick, Robinson, M’Glie, Drew, Hornby, Child, 
and Fitzpatrick ; Sailing Master Brvden ; Masters’ 
Mates Clark and Simmonds ; Surgeon Todd; Purser 
Gile ; Captain’s Clerk Guy ; Midshipmen Aire, Bon¬ 
ded, Toorke, Kewstra ; Davidson, boatswain ; Elvin, 
gunner ; Mickell, gunner ; Cox, carpenter ; Parker, 

• purser; Martin, surgeon; M’Cabe, assistant surgeon. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. MACDONOUGH TO BRIG. 

GEN. MACOMB. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga , off Plattsburg , 

Dear Sir, September 13, 1814. 

Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Capt. White 
Youngs, and a list of killed and wounded attached to 
his command. 

I beg leave to recommend Capt. Youngs to your 
particular notice ; during the action his conduct was 
such as to meet with my warmest approbation. 1 
feel much indebted to him for his personal valor and 


153 


NAVAL MONUMENT, 


example of coolness and intrepidity to his own men, 
as well as to the sailors. He volunteered in a sinking 
boat to carry my order to the gallies, for close action, 
in the hottest part of it ; and supplied the guns with 
his men as fast as the sailors were disabled. 

I am with much respect and esteem, 

your obedient servant, 

Brig. Gen. Macomb, T. MACDONOUGH 

of U. S. army. 

LETTER FROM GEN. MACOMB TO THE SEc’y OF WAR. 

Capt. Youngs of the 15th, is an officer of distin¬ 
guished merit, and has conducted himself with the 
greatest propriety on board the fleet. By his exam¬ 
ple and attention we have been able to keep the fleet 
manned from the line, which has been the means of 
contributing to the result of the naval engagement; 
I therefore recommend him to the particular notice 
of the war department. 

September 18, 1814. ALEX. MACOMB. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM GAPT. YOUNGS TO COM. MACDO¬ 
NOUGH. 

United States Ship Saratoga Lake Champlain , 
Sir, September 14, 1814. 

I have the honor of encloseing to you a list of killed 
and wounded troops of the line (acting marines on 
board the squadron, Lake Champlain) in the action of 
the 11th instant. 

In attempting to do justice to the brave officers and 
men I have had the honor to command, mv feeble abil¬ 
ities fall far short of my wishes—First Lieut. Mor¬ 
rison, 33d infantry, stationed on board the U. S brig 
Eagle , was wounded, but remained on deck during 
the action, animating his men by his honorable con¬ 
duct. Second Lieut. James Young, 6th infantry, on 
board the U. S. schooner, Ticonderoga , merits my 
warmest thanks : I would particularly recommend him 
to your notice. Second Lieut. William B. Howell, 15th 
infantry in the U. S. ship, Saratoga , rendered me every 
20 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


154 


assistance ; notwithstanding his having been confined 
for ten days of a fever, yet, at the commencement of 
the action, he was found on deck, and continued un¬ 
til the enemy had struck, when he was borne to his 
bed. I would also recommend him to your notice. 

The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and 
privates was so highly honorable to their country and 
themselves, it would be superfluous to particularize 
them. 

I have the honor to be, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

Com. T Macdonough, &c. WHITE YOUNGS, 
Capt. 1 5th Inf. com’ing detach, 
of acting marines. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. HENLEY TO THE SECRE¬ 
TARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Ship Eagle, off Plattsburgh Sept. 10, 1S14. 

Permit me to make you acquainted with that part of 
the action of yesterday, which was particularly borne 
by the vessel which I have the honor to command, as 
it may not appear in the official report of Capt. Mac¬ 
donough, whose duty it is to make a true and impartial 
statement of facts. 

Being at anchor in the harbor of Plattsburg, in a 
line north and south* at the distance of about 100 
yards the Eagle north, the Saratoga in the centre, and 
the Ticonteroga south, the enemy approached* in a 
line a breast, with a favorable wind, which enabled him 
to choose his position ; his brig taking her station 
on the stabord bow of the Eagle , at the distance of 
about a mile, his ship about one point abaft her [the 
Eagle's] beam, and the sloop Linnet , of 11 guns, 
making an effort to obtain a raldng position under our 
stern. Perceiving the object of the sloop, I ordered 
her a broadside, which compelled her immediately to 
strike her colours. 

At the moment when the enemy’s ship had ap¬ 
proached within point-blank distance, the Eagle com¬ 
menced upon her a most destructive fire of her whole 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


155 


broadside, excepting the two long 18s forward, which 
were occasionally discharged at the enemy's brig, who 
frequently relieved her position and kept up a ra¬ 
king and most destructive fire upon this vessel. 

I was confident that it was of the highest impor¬ 
tance, in order to insure success, to endeavour first to 
carry the enemy's ship. For a great length of time 
after the commencement of the action, the ship level¬ 
led her whole force upon the Eagle , dealing forth de¬ 
struction. 

After having sustained the severest of the action for 
more than one hour—having my springs shot away— 
many of my starboard guns disabled, and not being in 
a situation to bring one of them to bear upon either 
the enemy's ship or brig, I ordered the cable cut and 
cast the brig, taking an advantageous position a little 
south of the Saratoga, bringing ray larboard broad¬ 
side to bear upon the ship, which was very soon com¬ 
pelled to haul down her colours. Our fire was now 
directed at the brig, which struck in the space of eight 
minutes, and our contest terminated in victory. We 
now turned our attention toward the gailies, some of 
which, it is believed, sunk* and the residue made their 
escape. The Eagle , was in too shattered a condition 
to pursue them. 

I have the honor to enclose the surgeon's report of the 
killed and wounded on board the Eagle , by which you 
will perceive there were 13 killed and 27 wounded, 
most of them severely : also a copy of the report of 
the meritorious conduct of my officers and men, which 
I made to Capt. Macdonough, for your information, 
and which he has since informed me he had lost. 

I have the honor to be, 

Sir, with high respect, your obe’t serv't. 

ROBERT HENLEY. 

Another letter from Capt Henley to the Secretary 
of war, of the above date, encloses his report of kil¬ 
led and wounded, and recommends Lieut. Joseph 
Smith, Acting Lieut. Spencer, Acting Sailing-master 


156 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Record, Acting Lieut. Loomis, Midshipmen Cham¬ 
berlain, Machesny and Tardy, Surgeon Stoddard, 
Volunteer Loomis, Mr. Smith the gunner, Mr. John¬ 
son the carpenter, Mr. Willson the boatswain, as 
having discharged their duties as became Americans. 

PARTICULARS. 

Com. Macdonough is the son of Dr. Macdonough, 
late of New-Castle county,state of Delaware. He was 
a midshipman under Com.Decatur, at Tripoli, and 
one of the gallant band that destroyed the Philadel¬ 
phian. At the time of the battle on Lake Champlain, 
he was about 28 years of age. He is a religious man, 
as well as a hero, and prayed with his brave men on 
the morning of the victory. All the officers on board 
the commodore’s ship were either killed or wounded. 
He was asked how he escaped amid such carnage, 
and replied, pointing to heaven, “ There was a power 
above which determined the fate of man.” 

He had repeatedly to work his own guns, when his 
men at them were shot and three times he was driven 
across the deck by splinters. 

At one time during the battle, Macdonough had all 
his guns on one side but two dismounted, when he wore 
his ship. The enemy endeavouring to do the same, 
failed and gave us an opportunity to rake him. Our 
superior gunnery is again provided, as the enemy had 
two to one of ours killed or wounded ; and they had 
locks to their guns, wffiich w T e had not 

The gallies did but little, and the enemy’s gallies, 
which were distant spectators, pulled off when they 
saw their fleet w as beaten. 

The battle was exceedingly obstinate ; the enemy 
fought gallantly ; but the superiority of our gunnery 
was irresistible. We fired much oftener than they 
did. All the vessels w r ere much wrecked. 

The killed on both sides have a very unusual pro¬ 
portion to the wounded—on ours 52 to 58 ! This is 
perhaps unprecedented, and may serve to shew the 
warmth and closeness of the action. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


157 


In the hottest of the action, a cock in the commo¬ 
dore's ship flew into the shrowds, and crowed three 
times ! The crew seized the happy omen, and shout¬ 
ed victory! This little incident must have had a 
powerful effect on the seamen. 

A sailor, w ho had been hard at work from the com¬ 
mencement until the conclusion of the fight, seeing 
the British flag lowered, with a smile on his counten¬ 
ance, addressed a companion, “Well, Jack, this is all 
the fun I have had this war,” at the same time very 
leisurely wiping the sw eat from his face. “Iam more 
lucky,” said the other, “for this is the second Frolic* 
I have had!” 

The schooners Grcncler and Tigress , captured from 
us the year preceding, were desperately defended. 
When the former was towed into Plattsburg, she had 
only five men on board on their legs. 

The British loss was immense. On board the 
Confiance alone 160 were killed. Com. Downie fell 
in the early part of the action. Capt. Preng, w ho had 
been censured by Sir George Prevost, fought his brig 
15 minutes after the other vessels had struck. 

The British certainly supposed that the battle would 
have terminated in their favor. It appears evident, 
that they expected to defeat our squadron, to proceed 
to the upper end of the lake, and to establish them¬ 
selves on shore. For this purpose they had provided 
heavy cannon for mounting, and put them on board 
their vessels to be landed and stationed after the en¬ 
gagement. Com. Macdonough found,on examining the 
prizes, concealed under the platform of the vessels 
where they served for ballast, 25 pieces, 6, 9, 12, and 
long 18 pounders, and a large quantity of grape and 
cannister shot—so happily diverted from their original 
purpose by the glorious victory of the 11th of Sep¬ 
tember. 


*He was with Capt. Jcnea at the taking of the Frclic 



158 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


LOSS OF THE PRESIDENT. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

H. B. M. Ship Endymion , at sea , 

Sir, January 18, 1814. 

The painful duty of detailing to you the particular 
causes which preceded and led to the capture of the 
late United States frigate President , by a squadron 
of his Britannic Majesty's ships (as per margin) has 
devolved upon me. In my communication of the 14th, 
I made known to you my intention of proceeding to 
sea on the evening. Owing to some mistake of the 
pilot, the ship in going out grounded on the bar, where 
she continued to strike heavily for an hour and a half: 
although she had broken several of her rudder braces, 
and had received such other material injury as to ren¬ 
der her return into port desirable, I was unable to, 
do so from the strong westerly wind which was then 
blowing. It being now high water, it became neces¬ 
sary to force her over the bar before the tide fell; in 
this we succeeded by 10 o’clock, when we shaped our 
course along the shore of Long-Island for 50 miles, 
and then steered S. E. by E. At 5 o’clock, three 
ships were discovered ahead : we immediately hauled 
up the ship, and passed two miles to the northward of 
them. At daylight we discovered four ships in chase, 
one on each quarter, and two astern, the leading ship 
of the enemy a razee. She commenced a fire upon us, 
but without effect. At meridian the wind became light 
and baffling; we had increased our distance from the 
razee, but the next ship astern, which was also a large 
ship, had gained and continued to gain upon us con¬ 
siderable ; we immediately occupied all hands to ligh¬ 
ten ship, by starting water, cutting away the an¬ 
chors, throwing overboard provisions, cables, spare 
spars,boats, andevery article that could be got at, keep¬ 
ing the sails wet from the royals down. At 3, we 


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NAVAL MONUMENT. 


159 


had the wind quite light ; the enemy, who had now 
been joined by a brig, had a strong breeze, and were 
coming up with us rapidly. The Endymion (moun¬ 
ting 50 guns,24 pounders on the main deck) had now 
approached us within gun-shot, and had commenced 
a fire with her bow guns, which we returned from our 
stern. At 5 o’clock, she had obtained a position on 
our starboard quarter, within half point-blank shot, on 
which neither our stern nor quarter guns would bear ; 
we were now steering E. by N. the wind N. W. I 
remained with her in this position for half an hour, in 
the hope that she would close with us on our broad¬ 
side, in which case I had prepared my crew to board ; 
but from his continuing to yaw his ship to maintain 
his position, it became evident that to close was not 
his intention. Every fire now cut some of our sails 
or rigging. To have continued our course under these 
circumstances, would have been placing it in his pow ¬ 
er to cripple us, without being subject to injury him¬ 
self; and to have hauled up more to the northward to 
bring our stern guns to bear, would have exposed us 
to his raking fire. It was now dusk, when I determin¬ 
ed to alter my course south, for the purpose of bring¬ 
ing the enemy abeam, and although their ships 
astern were drawing up fast, I felt satisfied I should be 
enabled to throw him out of the combat before 
they could come up, and was not without hopes, if the 
night proved dark, (of which there was every appear¬ 
ance) that I might still be enable to effect my escape. 
Our opponant kept off at the same instant we did, 
and our fire commenced at the same time. We con¬ 
tinued engaged, steering south, with steering sails set, 
two hours and a half, when we completely succeeded 
in dismantling her. Previously to her dropping en¬ 
tirely out of the action, there were intervals of minutes, 
when the ships were broadside and broadside,in which 
she did not fire a gun. At this period, (half past 8 
o’clock) although dark, the other ships of the squad¬ 
ron were in sight, and almost within gun-shot. We 
were of course compelled to abandon her. In resu- 


160 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


ming our former course for the purpose of avoiding 
the squadron, we were compelled to present our stern 
to our antagonist—but such was his state, though we 
were thus exposed and within range of his guns for 
half an hour, that he did not avail himself of this fa¬ 
vorable opportunity of raking us. We continued this 
course until 11 o’clock when two fresh ships of the en¬ 
emy (the Pomone and Tenedos) had come up. The 
Pomone had opened her fire on the larboard bow, with¬ 
in musket shot; the other about two cables’ length 
astern, taking a raking position on our quarter ; and 
the rest (with the exception of the Endymion) within 
gun-shot. Thus situated, with about one fifth of my 
crew killed and wounded, my ship crippled, and a 
more than four-fold force opposed to me, without a 
chance of escape left, I deemed it my duty to sur¬ 
render. 

It is with emotions of pride I bear testimony to the 
gallantry and steadiness of every officer and man I 
had the honor to command on this occasion ; and I 
feel satisfied that the fact of their having beaten a 
force equal to themselves, in the presence and almost 
under the guns of so vastly a superior force, when, too, 
it was almost self-evident, that whatever their exer¬ 
tions might be, they must ultimately be captured, will 
be taken as evidence of what they would have per¬ 
formed, had the force opposed to them been in any de¬ 
gree equal. 

It is with extreme pain I have to inform you that 
Lieutenants Babbit, Hamilton, and Howell fell in the 
action. They have left no officers of superior merit 
behind them. 

If, Sir, the issue of this affair had been fortunate, I 
should have felt it my duty to have recommended to 
your attention Lieutenants Shubric and Gallagher. 
They maintained throughout the day the reputation 
they had acquired in former actions. 

Lieut. Twiggs, of the marines, displayed great zeal, 
bis men were well supplied and their fire incompara- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


161 


ble, so long as the enemy continued within musket 
range. 

Midshipman Randolph, who had charge of the 
forecastle division, managed it to my entire satisfac¬ 
tion. 

From Mr. Robinson, who was serving as a volun¬ 
teer, I received essential aid, particularly after I was 
deprived of the services of the master, and the severe 
loss I had sustained in my officers on the quarter 
deck. 

Of our loss in killed and wounded* I am unable at 
present to give you a correct statement; the attention 
of the surgeon being so entirely occupied with the 
wounded, that he was unable to make out a correct 
return when I left the President; nor shall I be able 
to make it until our arrival in port, we having parted 
company with the squadron yesterday. The enclosed 
list, with the exception, I fear, of its being short of 
the number, will be found correct. 

For 24 hours after the action, it was nearly calm; 
and the squadron were occupied in repairing the crip¬ 
pled ships. Such of the crew of the President as 
were not badly wounded, were put on board the dif¬ 
ferent ships : myself and a part of my crew were put 
on board this ship. On the 17th we had a gale from 
the eastward, when this ship lost her bowsprit, fore 
and main-masts and mizen top-mast, all of which 
were badly wounded, and was in consequence of her 
disabled condition, obliged to throw overboard all her 
upper deck guns. Her loss in killed and wounded 
must have been very great. I have not been able to 
ascertain the extent. Ten were buried after I came 
on board (36 hours after the action); the badly woun¬ 
ded, such as are obliged to keep their cots, occupy 
the starboard side of the gun deck from the cabin 
bulk-head to the main-mast. From the crippled state 
of the President's spars, I feel satisfied she could not 
have saved her masts, and I feel serious apprehensions 
for the safety of our wounded left on board. 

It is due to Capt. Hope to state, that every atten 

21 


162 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tion has been paid by him to myself and officers who 
have been placed on board his ship, that delicacy and 
humanity could dictate. 

I have the honor to be, with much respect, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 

Hon, B. W. Crowningshield, 

Secretary of the navy. 

British squadron referred to in the letter. 

Majestic (razee,) Endymion , Pomone, Tenedos, 
Despatch (brig). 

List of killed and wounded on hoard the United 
States Frigate President. 

Killed —Lieutenants F. H. Babbit, and twenty 
two seamen. 

Wounded— ^Sailing-Master Rogere, Mr. Robim 
son, Midshipmen Dale and Brewster, Master’s Mate 
Parker, and fifty seamen. 

FURTHER PARTICULARS. 

When the President first saw the British ships at 
day light, directly astern of her, and knowing them 
of course to be enemies, crowded all sail to escape— 
but owing to the misfortune which she sustained the 
night before of beating on the bar, off New-York, 
being deeply laden with water and provisions for a 
long cruise, and not having her proper trim, the ene¬ 
my’s leading ship the Endymion , succeeded in getting 
close along side of her, and brought her to action 
about sun-set. Both ships were under a press of sail. 
The Endymion was disabled and silenced, and the 
President , when she finally struck to the Pomone and 
Tenedos , was carrying royal studding sails, still en¬ 
deavoring to effect her escape. 

Remaining two hours on the bar was the primary 
cause of the lost of this noble ship—for had she pas¬ 
sed over without difficulty, she would have been out 
of sight of the British ships before day-light. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


163 


The President , after her capture, lost all her masts 
by the board in a violent gale of wind, and arrived at 
Bermuda under jury masts* on the 28th of January, 
just a fortnight from the date of her sailing from New- 
York. The Endymion arrived two days before, with 
the loss of her fore and main-masts, (considerably 
above deck by wounds) and bowsprit. 

The Endymion's loss, according to the report of the 
British officers, was 11 killed and 14 wounded. 

Our brave commodore received a severe contusion 
on the breast, which knocked him down, but he soon 
recovered. 

The lamented Lieut. Babbit, 1st of the President , 
was from Brookfield, Mass. He was mortally woun¬ 
ded early in the action by a round shot in the thigh, 
which shattered it so dreadfully, that he expired in 
about an hour. He was in his 25th year, and was 
justly esteemed one of the best officers in the service. 

Lieut. Hamilton, 4th, served on the gun-deck, and 
was instantaneously killed towards the close of the 
action, by a 241b. shot, which struck him in the ab¬ 
domen, and cut him in pieces. He was the son of 
Paul Hamilton, Esq. of South Carolina, late secre¬ 
tary of the navy, and was a youth of such gentleman¬ 
ly deportment, and amiable manners, as to win and 
retain the esteem of all who knew him. He was a 
great favorite in the navy, and will be long affection¬ 
ately remembered by many, both in and out of the 
service. Mr. Hamilton was a midshipman on board 
the United States , when that ship took the Macedo¬ 
nian, and was the officer, who had the honor of bear¬ 
ing her colors to the city of Washington. 

Lieut. Howell, 5th, lost his life by a splinter, which 
struck him on the head and fractured his scull. He 
was from New-Jersey, and was, like Hamilton, a 
most excellent and exemplary youth. 

In that trying engagement, the crew of the Presi¬ 
dent behaved most nobly. The marines in particular, 
under Lieut. Twigs, acquitted themselves with the 
highest honor. 


164 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


However we may lament the loss of the brave men, 
who fell in this contest, the services of those wounded 
or carried into captivity, or of the vessel herself, we re¬ 
joice that our naval glory remains untarnished, and 
that this capture of Decatur, like Porter’s, will add to 
his own fame, and the renown of his country. 

In the Bermuda paper of the 3d of April, is inser¬ 
ted a corespondence between the governor of those is¬ 
lands, and Mr. Ward, the editor of the Royal Gazette, 
which closes on the part of the governer by withdraw¬ 
ing from that paper its title of Royal Gazette,and from 
Mr. Ward the office of his Majesty’s printer. The 
governor appears to have been determined in this 
course by the pertinacious adherance of Mr. Ward to a 
false statement, published in his paper, of the circum¬ 
stances attending the capture of the United States 
frigate President , which statement was at first cor¬ 
rected by him, but afterwards re-asserted and adhered 
to. 

The Editor, in giving the reports of the capture, 
stated, among other things, that the President struck 
to the Endymion; and that after the President struck, 
Com. Decatur concealed 68 men in the hold of the 
President , for the purpose of rising on the prize 
crew, and recapturing her. On the appearance of 
this account, Capt. Hope, of the Endymion, immedi¬ 
ately sent an officer to Com. Decatur, disclaiming any 
participation in the article ; and the governor of the 
island demanded of the editor of the Gazette, that 
he should immediately contradict the statement; 
which was complied with. 

The editor then repeats, that the retraction spoken 
of was inserted merely as an act of generosity, and a 
palliative for the irritated feelings of prisoners of war. 
He had previously declared that he had, “ subsequent¬ 
ly to the publication of the retracting article, ascer¬ 
tained, that the original statement was correct; and 
we do not (he says) hesitate unequivocally to declare, 
upon the best authority, that 68 men were concealed 
on board the President, and from other information we 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 165 

have obtained, we are convinced the act was authorized 
by Com. Decatur/' 

Immediately on the appearance of the above re¬ 
marks, the governor of Bermuda directed a letter, of 
which the following are extracts, to be sent to the 
editor. 

EXTRACTS FROM AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM C. COOPER 
ESQ. PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR AND 
COMMANDER IN CHIEF. 

Sir, Government-House, Bermuda , April 15, 1815. 

In your paper of Thursday last, which calls for his 
excellency's animadversion, you have ventured to as¬ 
sert, that your publication in contradiction to your or¬ 
iginal paragraph above alluded to, was issued in con¬ 
sequence of your having been “ requested to smooth it 
over and you go on to insinuate that the state¬ 
ment contradicted was “ founded in truth.” It is im¬ 
possible for his excellency to permit such a direct and 
positive misrepresentation to stand uncontradicted, 
and more especially as his excellency himself commu¬ 
nicated to you Capt. Hope's pointed declaration, that 
there was not the slightest foundation whatsoever for 
the assertion which you had published,and that he him¬ 
self and every officer in his majesty's service, felt the 
utmost indignation and regret at the wanton insult of¬ 
fered thereby to an enemy, who then being a prisoner 
under the protection of the British flag, was entitled 
to peculiar marks of delicacy and attention, of which 
Capt. Hope, with the nicety of honourable feeling, 
natural to an officer of the British navy, had felt so 
truly sensible, as to have sent a brother officer the 
moment the indecorous paragraph referred to met his 
eye, to express to Com. Decatur his indignation and 
regret at its having appeared. 

His excellency at the same time stated to you his 
own opinion, and that of the officers of his majesty’s 
service, that the reprehensible paragraph should be in¬ 
stantly and unequivocally contradicted, and not merely 
“smoothed over,” as you have now thought proper to 


166 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


declare ; though at the time you seem fully impressed 
with the propriety of contradicting a statement* which 
you had erroneously put forth, and of thereby making 
the only retrebution which it was then in your power to 
offer to those* whose characters had been so unjustly 
defamed. His excellency felt anxious that the disa¬ 
vowal to be published should be couched in terms the 
least disagreeable to your own feelings, or hurtful to 
the paper, of which you are the editor. 

His excellency has since seen with pain and regret, 
that you have subsequently, on more than one occa¬ 
sion, endeavored to retract the correction then made 
by you of your prior mis-statement, and to impress 
the readers of the Gazette with a belief, that your 
original statement was established in fact, though you 
had the highest authority, (that of Capt. Hope him¬ 
self,) for knowing it to be completely unfounded. 
These attempts his excellency has hither to passed 
over—but your publication of Thursday imposes it 
upon him as a duty to himself, to Capt. Hope, and to 
the British nation, and in common justice to Com. 
Decatur, who is not present to defend himself from 
the aspersion which you have cast upon him, of “ ut¬ 
tering with reference to yourselves as base a falsehood 
as ever was imposed upon the world," not to admit of 
such a document standing uncontradicted in a paper, 
professed to be published under the immediate author¬ 
ity of his majesty's government. 

His excellency is thoroughly aware of the great im¬ 
portance of preserving to the utmost extent perfect 
freedom of dicussion, and the fullest liberty of the 
press, in every part of the British dominions, and un¬ 
doubtedly therefore nothing could be further from his 
intentions than the most distant desire to “ compel a 
British editor to retract a statement founded in 
truth"—but when a statement is founded in falsehood, 
his excellency conceives it to be incumbent upon him, 
equally in duty to the British public and in support ol 
the true character of the British press, to demand that 
that falsehood, whether directed against friend or foe, 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


167 


should be instantly contradicted, or that the paper 
which thinks fit to disgrace its columns by persevering 
in error, should no longer be distinguished by the 
royal protection—and I am therefore commanded to 
signify to you his excellency's desire, that your ensu¬ 
ing publication may contain a due and respectful con¬ 
tradiction of those parts of your comments upon Com. 
Decatur's letter, which have now called for his excel¬ 
lency's censure, or his excellency will feel it his boun- 
den duty to remove you from the office of his majes¬ 
ty's printer, which now gives a degree of weight to 
observations contained in your paper, to which other¬ 
wise they might not be entitled. 

I have the honor to be, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

C. COOPER, Private Sec’y 
Edmund Ward, Esq. 

Editor of the Royal Gazette , Bermuda. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

New York , March 6, 1815. 

In my official letter of January 18, I omitted to 
state, that a considerable number of my killed and 
wounded was from the fire of the Pomone, and that 
the Endymion had on board, in addition to her own 
crew, 1 lieutenant, 1 master's mate, and 50 seamen, 
belonging to the Saturn , and when the action ceased, 
was left motionless and unmanageable until she bent 
new sails, rove new rigging, and fished her spars ; nor 
did she join the squadron until six hours after the ac¬ 
tion, and three hours after the surrender of the Presi¬ 
dent. My sword was delivered to Capt. Hays, of the 
Majestic , the senior officer of the squadron, on his 
quarter deck, which he with great politeness immedi¬ 
ately returned. I have the honor to enclose to you 
my parole, by which you will perceive the British ad¬ 
mit the President was captured by the squadron. I 
should have deemed it unnecessary to have drawn 
your attention tp this document, had not the fact been 


168 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


stated differently in the Bermuda Gazette, on our ar¬ 
rival there ; which statement, however, the editor was 
compelled to retract, through the interference of the 
governor and some of the British officers of the squad¬ 
ron. 

The great assiduity of Dr. Trevett and Surgeon's 
Mates Dix and Wickes to the wounded, merits the 
highest approbation. The only officer badly wound¬ 
ed is Midshipman Richard Dale, who lost a leg, a 
circumstance to be particularly regretted, as he is a 
young man possessed of every quality to make a dis¬ 
tinguished officer. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 

The following extract from a Bermuda paper was 
republished at New York, in the Commercial Adver¬ 
tiser. 

“ On Wednesday evening last, Mr. Randolph, of 
the United States navy, late of the President frigate, 
in company with some other officers of the ship, at¬ 
tacked the editor of the Royal Gazette in a most 
violent and unprovoked manner, with a stick, while he 
was walking unarmed. The timely arrival of some 
British officers prevented his proceeding to further acts 
of violence. A guard shortly after came up, when 
the offender had decamped ; and the next morning, 
we understand, he was hoisted into a boat at the 
crane, from the market wharf, and absconded—an 
honourable way truly for an officer to quit a place, 
where he had been treated with civility and polite¬ 
ness." 

The folloiving is a letter from Mr. Randolph to the 
editors of the Commercial Advertiser. 

New York , April 3, 1815. 
Messrs. Lewis & Hall, 

Having observed in your paper of Saturday last, an 
extract from the Bermuda Gazette, containing a false 
and scandalous account of an affair in which I had an 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


169 


agency, 1 send you for publication the subjoined state¬ 
ment, which I declare to be correct. 

As soon as 1 read the scurrilous remarks in the 
Royal Gazette of the 15th ult. in relation to the cap¬ 
ture of the late U. S. frigate President , I walked to 
the King’s Square, with a determination to chastise 
the editor. I soon fell in with him and executed my 
purpose, in the most ample and satisfactory manner. 

There was no American officer in company, except 
Midshipman Emmet. Mr. Ward, the editor, was at¬ 
tended by Lieut. Sammon, of the royal navy ; but by 
neither of these officers was I interrupted or assisted 
in the operation. 

Having previously obtained my passport, and being 
advised that the editor of the Royal Gazette was ta¬ 
king measures to employ the civil authority against me, 
I left the Island the next day, for the United States. 

I am gentlemen, &,c. &c. 

R. B. RANDOLPH, Midshipman , 
Late of the United States frigate President. 

Copy of a letter from Com. Alexander Murray , 
president of a court of inquiry , held at JVeiv York , 
to investigate the causes of the capture of the 
United States frigate President , to the Secretary 
of the navy. 

“Sir, New York , April 17, 1815. 

“ I herewith transmit to you the result of the court 
of inquiry, respecting the capture of the frigate Pres¬ 
ident ■, with the opinion of the court. 

“We have been more minute in our investigation 
than might, at first view, have been deemed necessary ; 
but as there has been a diversity of opinion prevailing 
among the British commanders, concerned in her cap¬ 
ture, it was desirable in our view, to lay before the 
world, in the most correct manner, every circum¬ 
stance, that led to that event ; which has afforded 
another high proof of American heroism, and so high¬ 
ly honorable to her commander, officers and crew, 


170 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


that every American citizen must feel a pride in know¬ 
ing that our flag has been so nobly defended.” 

The minutes of the court having been read and ap¬ 
proved, the court was cleared, and after due deliber¬ 
ation, resolved to express the sentiments and opinions 
of the members, on the matters submitted to them, as 
follows: 

“ In the execution of the orders of honorable the 
secretary of the navy, we have (with the exception of 
two very young midshipmen) examined every officer 
belonging to the President , within the reach of the 
court, who survived the late glorious contest between 
the frigate President and a squadron of his Britannic 
majesty. 

“We are of opinion, that the primary cause of the 
loss of the President was her running on the bar, as 
she was leaving this port. The violence and the con¬ 
tinuance of the shocks she received for an hour and a 
half or more, considering that she was laden with 
stores and provisions for a very long cruise, could not 
but have injured her greatly, and must have impeded 
her sailing. Her hogged and twisted appearance af¬ 
ter she arrived at Bermuda, must have been the effects 
of this unfortunate accident. We are convinced, that 
it was owing to this that the enemy were able to over¬ 
take her. 

“ The striking of the President on the bar cannot 
be imputed to the fault of any officer who was at¬ 
tached to her. On the contrary, we think every possi¬ 
ble precaution was taken, and the utmost exertions 
were used by her commander and officers, to insure 
her safe passage over the bar, and to relieve her after 
she had struck. The accident was occasioned by 
some mistake in placing the boats, which were to 
serve as beacons to the President, through a channel 
always dangerous for a vessel of her draught, but par¬ 
ticularly sq at such ^ time as she was obliged to select 
for passing it, when the land marks could not be dis¬ 
tinguished. 

“ From the time that the superiority of the enemy’s 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


171 


Force was ascertained, and it became the duty of the 
President to evade it, we are convinced, that the most 
proper measures were pursued, and that she made 
every possible effort to escape. No means, in our opin¬ 
ion, were so likely to be attended with success, as 
those which were adopted by Com. Decatur. Any 
suggestion, that different measures would have been 
more proper or more likely to accomplish the object, 
we think, are without foundation, and may be the re¬ 
sult of ignorance or the dictates of a culpable ambi¬ 
tion, or of envy. 

We consider the management of the President , from 
the time the chase commenced till her surrender, as 
the highest evidence of the experience, skill, and re¬ 
sources of her commander, and of the ability and sea¬ 
manship of her officers and crew. We fear that we 
cannot express, in a manner that will do justice to our 
feelings, our admiration of the conduct of Com. De¬ 
catur, and his officers and crew, while engaged with 
the enemy, threatened with a force so superior, poses- 
sing advantages, which must have appeared to render 
all opposition unavailing, otherwise than might affect 
the honor of our navy, and the character of our sea¬ 
men. They fought with a spirit, which no prospect 
of success could have heightened, and if victory had 
met its common reward, the Endymion’s name would 
have been added to our list of naval conquests. In this 
unequal conflict the enemy gained a ship, but the vic¬ 
tory was ours. When the President was obliged to 
leave the Endymion to avoid the other ships, which 
were fast coming up, the Endymion was subdued ; and 
if her friends had not been at hand to rescue her, she 
was so entirely disabled, that she soon must have 
struck her flag. A proof of this is, that she made 
no attempt to pursue the President,or to annoy her by 
a single shot, while the President was within her 
reach, when, with the hope of escape from the over¬ 
whelming force, which was nearly upon her, the 
President presented her stern to the Endym,ion's 
broadside; A farther proof that the Endymion was 


172 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


conquered is, the shattered condition in which she ap¬ 
peared, while the President , in the contest with her, 
had sustained but little injury ; and the fact, that the 
Endymion did not join her squadron till many hours 
after the President had been surrounded by the other 
four enemy ships, and had surrendered to them, is 
strong corroborative evidence of the disabled state in 
which the President left the Endymion. 

u We think it due to Com. Decatur and his heroic 
officers and crew, to notice the proposition he made to 
board the Endymion , when he found she was coming 
up, and the manner in which this position was receiv¬ 
ed by his gallant crew. 

“ Such a design, at such a time, could only be con¬ 
ceived by a soul without fear, and approved with en¬ 
thusiastic cheering by men regardless of danger. Had 
not the enemy perceived the attempt, and availed 
himself of the power he had in the early part of the 
action to shun the approach of the President , the 
American stars might now be shining on the Endymi¬ 
on. In the subsequent part of the engagement, the 
enemy's squadron was too near to permit the execu¬ 
tion of this design, and the disabled state of the Endy¬ 
mion would have frustrated the principal object which 
Com. Decatur had in making so bold an attempt, 
which was to avail himself of the Endymion’s superi¬ 
or sailing to escape with his crew from his pursuers. 

“We conclude by expressing our opinion, that 
Com. Decatur, as well during the chase, as through 
his contest with the enemy, evinced great judgment 
and skill, perfect coolness, the most determined reso¬ 
lution and heroic courage—that his conduct, and the 
conduct of his officers and crew, are highly honora¬ 
ble to them, and to the American navy, and deserve 
the warmest gratitude of their country—that they did 
not give up their ship till she was surrounded and 
overpowered by a force so superior, that further re¬ 
sistance would have been unjustifiable, and a useless 
sacrifice of the lives of brave men. 

“ The order of the secretary of the navy requires us 





























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


173 


to express an opinion as to the conduct of the officers 
and crew of the President after the capture. The 
testimony of all the witnesses concurs in enabling us 
to give it our decided approbation. 

By the Court. 

“ALEX. MURRAY, President. 

“Codwalader D. Colden, Judge Advocate. 

Approved, B. W. Crowningshield.” 
“April 20, 1815. 

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO COM. 

DECATUR. 

Sir, Navy Department , April 20, 1815. 

In the course of official duty, it is my highest sat¬ 
isfaction to render justice to the gallantry and good 
conduct of the brave officers and seamen of the United 
States navy. 

In giving an official sanction to the recent proceed¬ 
ings of the court of inquiry, instituted at your request, 
to investigate the cause of the loss by capture of the 
frigate President , late of the navy of the United 
States, while under your command ; and to inquire 
into the conduct of the commander, officers, and crew 
of said frigate, before and after the surrender to the 
enemy ; it would be equally unjust to your merit, as 
well as to my sentiments and feeling, to pass over this 
investigation with a formal approbation. I have there¬ 
fore, sir, to express to you, in the fullest manner, the 
high sense of approbation, which the President of the 
United States and this department entertain for your 
professional character as an officer, who, in every in¬ 
stance has added lustre to the stars of the union ; and 
whose brilliant actions have raised the national honor 
and fame, even in the moment of surrendering your 
ship to an enemy’s squadron of vastly superior force, 
over whose attack, singly, you were decidedly trium¬ 
phant ; and you will be pleased to present to each of 
your gallant officers and crew, the thanks of your 
government, for their brave defence of the ship, and 
the flag of the United States. 


174 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The proceedings and opinions of the court of inqui¬ 
ry, of which Com. Alexander Murray is president, 
are approved. 

B. W. CROWNINGSHIELD. 
Com. Stephen Decatur. 


CONSTITUTION AND CYANE & LEVANT 

LETTER FROM LIEUT. HOFFMAN to THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

His Britannic Majesty's late skip Cyane. 

Sir j Neiv-York , April 10. 1815. 

I have the honor to inform you that on the evening 
of the 28th of February last, while cruising off Ma¬ 
deira, the United States frigate Constitution fell iii 
with His Britannic Majesty's ships Cyane and Le¬ 
vant, which she captured after an action of 40 min¬ 
utes. 

The Cyane is a frigate built ship, mounting 34 car¬ 
riage guns, viz. twenty-two 321b. carronades on the 
main deck, eight 181b. carronades on the quarter deck, 
two 181b. carronades and two long 9s on the forecas¬ 
tle, and from the best information I could obtain, car¬ 
rying a complement of 175 men, commanded by Gor¬ 
don Falcon, Esq.; the Levant mounting twenty-one 
carriage guns, viz. eighteen 241b. carronades, two 
long 6s and a shifting 12 pounder on the top-gal¬ 
lant forecastle, with a complement of 150 men, com¬ 
manded by the Hon. George Douglas—both ships 
suffered severely in their spars, rigging and sails. 
The Constitution received but trifling injury, having 
only 4 men killed and 10 wounded. As to the loss 
of the enemy, I cannot possibly ascertain, but should 
presume it was very severe. 

On the 9th of March the Constitution , with her 
two prizes in company, anchored off the Isle of May, 
(one of the Cape de Verd Islands.) On the 10th at 
5 A. M. got under way and made sail for St. Jago, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


175 


where we anchored at 45 minutes past 10. On the 
12th, at half past meridian, discovered three sail in the 
offing—at 10 minutes past 1, made them to be frigates 
—at which time the Constitution made signal to get 
under way. At 20 minutes past 1, cut our cable and 
made sail to the southward and eastward, close on a 
wind. At 30 minutes past 1, the forts on shore com¬ 
menced firing on us. At 2, the Constitution made 
signal to tack, which I did to the northward and west¬ 
ward. At 5 minutes past 2, the sternmost frigate 
commenced firing on us, and hoisted English colors, 
distance about 2 miles. At 20 minutes past 2, lost 
sight of the Constitution and Levant , who were stan¬ 
ding on a wind to the southward and eastward ; the 
frigates in chase. At 35 minutes past 2, lost sight of 
the enemy. At 3, heard a heavy cannonading, which 
continued at intervals until half past 4. At sun-down 
shaped my course for the United States. For the 
further particulars of our cruise, I beg to refer you to 
Capt. Stewart’s official account, on his arrival in the 
United States. 

I cannot conclude my letter without particularly 
recommending to your notice Midshipman Joseph 
Cross, for whose unremitted attention and exertions I 
feel myself greatly indebted ; and he is a young man 
who, 1 think, would do honor to a commission. 

As to Midshipmen James Delany, and James F. 
Curtis, and the few men I have under my command, 
words would be insufficient to express my gratitude 
towards them. Very respectfully, 

I have the honor to be, 
your obedient servant, 

B. V. HOFFMAN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. BALLARD TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Baltimore , May 2, 1815. 

I have the honor to make known to you my arrival 
at this place with a part of the officers and crew of the 
United States frigate Constitution , captured in a prize, 


176 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the Levant , in the harbor of Port-Praya, in the Isl¬ 
and of St. Jago, by a squadron of his Britannc Ma¬ 
jesty's ships, consisting of the Leander , Sir George 
Collier; the Neivcastle, Lord George Stuart; and 
the Acasta , Capt. Kerr. For the particulars of my 
recapture, I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed ex¬ 
tract from the log-book of the Levant. 

Having caused the destruction of my own papers, 
as well as those of the officers with me, I can only say 
to you relative to the Constitution , that, after leaving 
the port of Boston, she successively cruised off the 
Islands of Bermuda and Madeira, in the Bay of Bis¬ 
cay, and for some time in sight of the Rock of Lis¬ 
bon, without having met with but two of the enemy's 
vessels, one of which was destroyed, the other ordered 
in; and that, on the evening of the 20th February, 
the Island of Madeira bearing W. S. W. distant 70 
leagues, fell in with, engaged, and after a close ac¬ 
tion of 40 minutes, captured his Britannic Majesty’s 
ships Cyane , Capt. Gordon Falcon, and Levant , Hon. 
Capt. Douglass. 

It would, sir, be deemed presumption in me to at¬ 
tempt to give you particular details respecting the na¬ 
ture of this action. I shall, therefore, only remark 
generally, that every officer, seaman and marine on 
board did their duty. I cannot, however, deny my¬ 
self the pleasure, that this opportunity affords me, of 
noticing the brilliant management of Capt. Charles 
Stewart, through whose unerring judgment every at¬ 
tempt of an ingenious enemy to gain a raking position 
was frustrated. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

HENRY E. BALLARD. 

The Cyane mounted on her main deck tAenty-two 
321b. carronades—on her upper decks, ten 181b. car- 
ronades, two long 9s, ancl one 121b. carronade on a 
travelling carriage, with a complement of 175 men. 
The Levant mounted eighteen 321b. carronades, two 


Naval monument. 


177 


long 9s, and one 121b. carronade, with 138 men on 
board. The Constitution had 4 killed and 10 wound¬ 
ed—the Cyane 7 killed and 17 wounded—the Levant 
9 killed and 17 wounded. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN STEWART TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Frigate Constitution, May — , 1815. 

On the 20th of February last, the Island of Ma¬ 
deira bearing about W. S. W. distant 60 leagues, we 
fell in with His Britannic Majesty's two ships of war, 
the Cyane and Levant , and brought them to action 
about 6 o'clock in the evening, both of which, after a 
spirited engagement of 40 minutes, surrendered to the 
ship under my command. 

Considering the advantages derived by the enemy, 
from a divided and more active force, as also their 
superiority in the weight and number of guns, I deem 
the speedy and decisive result of this action the stron¬ 
gest assurance which can be given to the government, 
that all under my command did their duty, and gal¬ 
lantry supported the reputation of American seamen. 

Enclosed you will receive the minutes of the action, 
and a list of the killed and wounded on board this 
ship; also enclosed you will receive for your infor¬ 
mation a statement of the actual force of the enemy, 
and the number killed and wounded on board their 
ships, as near as could be ascertained. 

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully. 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 
CHARLES STEWART. 

Statement of the actual force of His Britannic Maj¬ 
esty's ships Levant, Capt. the Hon. George Doug¬ 
lass commander—and Cyane, Capt. Gordon Falcon 
commander; ivith the number killed and wounded 
on board each ship, on the 20th Feb. 1815, as near 
as could be ascertained, while engaged ivith the 
United States Frigate Constitution :— 

Levant —Eighteen 32 pounders, carronades ; one 
23 


178 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


12 pounder, do.; two 9 pounders, long guns. Total 
21 guns, 156 officers, seamen, and marines. Prison¬ 
ers, 133 officers, seamen and marines. Killed, 23; 
wounded, 16. Total killed and wounded* 39. 

Cyahe —Twenty-two 32 pounders, carronades ; ten 
18 pounders, do.; two 12 pounders, long guns. Total 
34 guns (besides 2 brass swivels,) 180 officers, sea¬ 
men, and marines. Prisoners, 168 officers, seamen, 
and marines. Killed, 27 ; wounded, 26. Total kil¬ 
led and wounded, 38. 

Minutes of the action between the United States frig¬ 
ate Constitution and His Majesty's ships Cyane 

and Levant , on the 20th February , 1815. 

Commences with light breezes from the east, and 
cloudy weather. At 1 P. Mi discovered a sail two 
points on the larboard bow—hauled up, and made sail 
in chase. At half past 1, made the sail to be a ship ; 
at half past 1, discovered another sail ahead ; made 
them out, at 2, to be both ships, standing close haul¬ 
ed, with their starboard tacks on board ; at 4, the 
weathermost ship made signals, and bore up for her 
consort, then about ten miles to leeward ; we bore up 
after her, and set lower top-mast, top-gallant and 
royal studding sails, in chase ; at half past 4, carried 
away our main royal-mast; took in the sails, and got 
another prepared. At 5, commenced firing on the 
chase from our two larboard boW guns ; our shot fal¬ 
ling short, ceased firing ; at half past 5, finding it 
impossible to prevent their junction, cleared ship for 
action, then about 4 miles from the two ships : at 40 
minutes past 5, they passed within hail of each other, 
and hauled by the wind on the starboard tack, hauled 
up their courses, and prepared to receive us : at45 min¬ 
utes past 5,they made all sail close hauled by the wind, 
in hopes of getting to windward of us : at 55 minutes 
past 5, finding themselves disappointed in their object, 
and we were closing with them fast, they shortened 
sail, and formed on a line of wind, about half a cable's 
length of each other: at 6, having them under com- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


179 


mand of our battery, hoisted our colors, which was 
answered by both ships hoisting English ensigns : at 
5 minutes past 6, ranged up on the starboard side of 
the stemmost ship, about 300 yards distant, and com¬ 
menced the action by broadsides, both ships returning 
our fire with great spirit for about 15 minutes ; then 
the fire of the enemy beginning to slacken, and the great 
column of smoke collected under our lee, induced us 
to cease our fire to ascertain their positions and condi¬ 
tions : in abopt three minutes, the smoke clearing 
away, we found ourselves abreast of the headmost 
ship, the sternmost ship luffed up for our larboard 
quarter ; we poured a broadside into the headmost 
ship, and then braced aback our main and mizen top¬ 
sails, and backed astern under cover of the smoke, 
abreast the sternmost ship, when the action was con¬ 
tinued w ith spirit and considerable effect, until 35 min¬ 
utes past 6. when the enemy's fire again slackened,and 
we discovered the headmost ship bearing up ; filled our 
top-sails, shot ahead, and gave her two stern rakes; we 
then discovered the sternmost ship wearing also ; w ore 
ship immediately after her, and gave her a stern rake— 
she luffed to on our starboard bow?, and gave us her 
larboard broadside: we ranged up on her larboard 
quarter, within hail, and were about to give her our 
starboard broadside, when she struck her colors, fired 
a lee gun, and yielded. At 50 minutes past 6, took 
possession of His Majesty's ship Cycine, Capt. Gordon 
Falcon, mounting 34 guns. At S, filled away after 
her consort, which was still in sight to leeward. At 
^ past S, found her standing towards us, with her star¬ 
board tacks close hauled, with top-gallant sails set, 
and colors flying. At 5 minutes past 8, ranged close 
along side to windward of her, on opposite tacks, and 
exchanged broadsides—wore immediately under her 
stern, and raked her with a broadside : she then crowd¬ 
ed all sail, and endeavored to escape by running—haul¬ 
ed on board our tacks, set spanker, and flying jib in 
chase. At J past 9, commenced firing on her from our 
starboard bow chaser; gave her several shot, which 


180 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


cut her spars and rigging considerably. At 10, find¬ 
ing she could not escape, fired a gun, struck her col¬ 
ors, and yielded. We immediately took possession 
of His Majesty's ship Levant , Hon. Capt. George 
Douglass, mounting 21 guns. At 1 A. M. the dam¬ 
ages of our rigging were repaired, sails shifted, and the 
ship in fighting condition. 

Minutes of the chase of the U. S. frigate Constitution , 
by an English squadron of three ships, from out 
the harbor af Port Pray a, Island of St. Jago :— 

Commences with fresh breezes and thick foggy 
weather. At 5 minutes past 12, discovered a large 
ship through the fog, standing in for Port Praya. At 
8 minutes past 12, discovered two other large ships 
astern of her, also standing in for the port. From 
their general appearance supposed them to be one of 
the enemy's squadrons, and from the little respect 
hitherto paid by them to neutral waters, I deemed it 
most prudent to put to sea. The signal was made to 
the Cyane and Levant to get under way. At 12 min¬ 
utes past 12, with our topsails set, we cut our cable 
and got under way, (when the Portuguese opened a 
fire on us from several of their batteries on shore) the 
prize ships following our motions, and stood out of the 
harbor of Port Praya, close under East Point, passing 
the enemy's squadron about gun shot to windward of 
them ; crossed our top gallant yards, and set foresail, 
mainsail, spanker, flying-jib and top-gallant sails. 
The enemy seeing us under way, tacked ship and made 
all sail in chase of us. As far as we could judge of 
the rates, from the thickness of the weather, suppos, 
ed them two ships of the line and one frigate. At j, 
past 12, cut away the boats towing astern—first cut¬ 
ter and gig. At 1 P. M. found our sailing about 
equal with the ships on our lee quarter, but the frigate 
luffing up, gaining our wake and rather dropping as¬ 
tern of us ; finding the Cyane dropping astern and to 
leeward, and the frigate gaining on her fast, I found 
it impossible to save her if she continued on the same 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


181 


course, without having the Constitution brought to ac¬ 
tion by their whole force. I made the signal at 10 
minutes past 1, to her to tack ship, which was com¬ 
plied with. This manoeuvre, I conceived, would de¬ 
tach one of the enemy's ships in pursuit of her, while 
at the same time, from her position, she would be ena¬ 
bled to reach the anchorage at Port Praya, before the 
detached ship could come up with her; but if they 
did not tack after her, it would afford her an opportu¬ 
nity to double their rear, and make her escape before 
the wind. They all continued in full chase of the 
Levant and this ship ; the ship on our lee quarter fir¬ 
ing broadsides, by divisions—her shot falling short of 
us. At 3, by our having dropped the Levant consid¬ 
erably, her situation became (from the position of the 
enemy’s frigate) similar to the Cyane. It became 
necessary to separate also from the Levant , or risk 
this ship being brought to action to cover her. I made 
the signal at 5 minutes past 3, for her to tack, which 
was complied with. At 12 minutes past 3, the whole 
of the enemy’s squadron tacked in pursuit of the Le¬ 
vant , and gave up the pursuit of this ship. This sac¬ 
rifice of the Levant became necessary for the preser¬ 
vation of the Constitution. Sailing Master Hixon, 
Midshipman Varnurmone boatswain’s mate, and 12 
men, were absent on duty in the 5th cutter, to bring 
the cartel brig under our stern. 

ANECDOTES. 

The Constitution is so deservedly a favorite with 
the public, that a few anecdotes of her last cruise will 
not be uninteresting. Tie modest, plain letter of 
Gapt. Stewart, with the accompanying extracts from 
the log-book, have given the clearest official accounts 
of the action. The masterly manceuvreing of his 
ship so as to prevent either of the enemy’s ships from 
raking him, and the final capture of them both, in 
such a neat and workmanlike manner, the prompt de¬ 
cision at Port Praya, when in 7 minutes after the 
British squadron were first discovered, the whole of 


182 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the ships had cut their cables and were at sea; the 
judgment in the time of giving orders to the prizes to 
tack, which secured the Cyane first, and afterwards 
the Constitution , speak for themselves, and are fully 
appreciated by the public. It should not be forgot¬ 
ten, that this same Cyane engaged a French 44 gun 
frigate last year, and kept her at bay, till a ship of 
the line came up and captured her; and a few years 
since in the bay of Naples, that she engaged a frigate, 
a brig of 14 guns, and five gun boats, and beat them 
off, for which Capt. Benton, who commanded her, was 
knighted ; yet, with the known skill cf British officers, 
this same vessel, and a sloop of war of the largest 
class, with full crews of picked men, were captured 
by an American frigate, after a short action. 

But it is not only to skilful officers that praise is 
due; to be successful, they must beaided by brave and 
excellent seamen. The crew of the Constitution were 
all yankee seamen, as docile and obedient to the ordi¬ 
nary discipline of the service, as they were intrepid in 
action. It would be easy to mention a number of an¬ 
ecdotes of the heroic character of our common sailors. 
There are two in this action that are particularly 
striking. A man by the name of Tobias Fernall, of 
Portsmouth, had his arm shattered by a ball ; after 
the surgeon had amputated it, when he had taken up 
the arteries, and before the dressing was completed, 
the cheers on deck were heard for the surrender of 
the Cyane ; the brave fellow twitched the bleeding 
stump from the surgeon, aad waved it, joining the 
cheers ! He is since dead. Another, John Lancey, 
of Cape Ann, was brought below, one thigh shattered 
to pieces, and the other severely wounded; the sur¬ 
geon said to him, “my brave fellow, you are mortally 
wounded “yes, sir, I know it, I only want to hear, 
that the other ship has struck.” Soon after the cheers 
were given for the surrender of the Levant ; he rais¬ 
ed his head, echoed the cheer, and expired a minute 
after. The wounds were generally severe ; and much 
credit is due to the skill and humanity of Mr. Rear- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


183 


ney, the surgeon, for saving so many of the wounded. 

The Cyane was first discovered at the distance of 
three or four leagues ; the Levant , Cap. Douglass, 
the seinour, being to the leeward. The first signal 
from the Cyane was, that it was an American sloop of 
war ; afterwards, when they came within four miles 
of the Constitution, and the course was so altered, that 
she discovered her broadside, she made a signal that 
it was a heavy American frigate, superior to one of 
them but inferior to both. The signal from the Le¬ 
vant to her consort was, to join company. The Con¬ 
stitution was not able to prevent their junction. The 
action was invented on the part of the Constitution , 
by firing a signal shot across the bow of the Cyane. 
The two ships cheered, and fired their broadsides : af¬ 
ter receiving both she returned it, and such was the 
eagernes of the men to fire, that when the word was 
given, they discharged the whole broadside, at the 
same instant. In commencing the action, there was 
perfect silence on board the Constitution —the cheers 
were returned when the ships surrendered. The 
weight shot fired by the British ships, was superior by 
about 90 pounds, taking their shot, at their nominal 
weight, though it was found, on weighing some of the 
English shot, that came on board, that they weighed 
full 321bs. while the American of the same rate weigh¬ 
ed only 291bs. ; the action was so close,, that their 
carronades had their full power. One of their shot 
came through the side of the ship, killed one and 
wounded four men, and lodged in the galley ; another 
killed two men in the waist, went through a boat in 
which two tigers were chained, and lodged in the head 
of a spar in the chains. In the action of the Giier- 
Here the Constitution was hulled three times ; in that 
of the Java , four times ; and in this engagement, thir¬ 
teen times. The British ships were fully officered, 
and manned with picked men, and fired better than 
they have usuly done in their engagements with our 
ships. 

During the chase by Sir George Collier’s squadron, 


184 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


when the Cyane was ordered to tack, all the three 
ships kept after the Constitution and Levant. After 
sufficient time had been allowed to the Cyane to make 
her escape, as none of the enemy pursued her, orders 
were given to the Levant to tack. The Leander , Sir 
George Collier, who was the most astern, then made 
signal to th e Acasta to tack, and the Newcastle, Lord 
George Stewart, to continue the chase. The Acasta 
sailed faster than the Constitution, and was gaining on 
her ; the Newcastle about the same rate of sailing, and 
the latter fired several broadsides,but the shot fell short 
from one to two hundred yards. After the other ships 
tacked, the Neivcastle made a signal that her fore-top¬ 
sail yard was sprung, and tacked also. The British 
officers on board, who had expressed the most perfect 
confidence that the Constitution would be taken in an 
hour, felt the greatest vexation and disappointment, 
which they expressed in very emphatic terms. The 
Levant ran into port so as to run her jib-boom over 
the battery ; the Acasta and Newcastle came in, and 
though her colors were hauled down, fired at her a 
number of times. They were obliged to hoist and 
lower their colors twice; yet not a gun was fired from 
the Levant. Lieut. Ballard, who commanded, had 
ordered his men to lay on the decks, by which they 
all escaped injury, though considerable damage was 
done to the town. It seemed unnecessary for two 
heavy frigates to fire into one sloop of war, who neith¬ 
er did nor could make any resistance. After the es¬ 
cape of the Constitution from this squadron, till she 
arrived at the Brazils, the greatest watchfulness was 
necessary. With a very diminished crew, she had on 
board 240 prisoners, and the number of British offi¬ 
cers was more than double her own. 

It is known, that sailors are apt to be superstitious. 
Lieut. Hoffman had a fine terrier, who was a great fa¬ 
vorite on board the ship : when he was transferred to 
the Cyane, he took the dog with him. At Port 
Praya, the dog, being much attached to Old Iron¬ 
sides , jumped over to swim to her. A boat was low- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


185 


ered down from the Constitution to try to save him; 
but the poor animal was drowned. The sailors then 
said, that they should have a fight, or a run, in twen¬ 
ty-four hours. The next morning the British squad¬ 
ron hove in sight. This was not likely to lessen their 
belief in omens. 

At Maranham, all the principal people asked leave 
to visit the Constitution. They had heard much of 
her, and had been told by the English, that she was a 
ship of the line. They were requested to examine 
and count her guns, which they found to be 52, as she 
carried two less than in her former cruise. The 
American character was most highly respected at 
Porto-Rico, where a boat was sent in. The gover¬ 
nor made the most earnest entreaties, that the ship 
would come into port, that he might see her, and offer- 
ered every kind of refreshment, and expressed the 
highest regard for our country. How much has our 
little navy done to elevate the character of the nation ! 

In a hurricane, when the ship made much water, a 
petty officer called on Lieut. Shubrick, who was the 
officer on the deck, and said, “ Sir, the ship is sink¬ 
ing ”—“well, sir,” said this cool and gallant officer, 
“ as every thing in our power is made tight, we must 
patiently submit to the fate of sailors, and all of us 
sink or swim together.” 

When the officer from the British squadron, which 
retook the Levant , went on board of her he advanced 
briskly towards the quarter deck, and observed that he 
presumed he had the proud satisfaction of receiving 
the sword of Capt. Blakeley, commander of the 
American sloop of war the Wasp. No, sir, was the 
reply ; but if there is any pride in the case, you have 
the honor of receiving the sword of Capt. Ballard, 1st 
of the Constitution frigate, and now prize officer of 
his Britannic Majesty's ship the Levant. 

According to the British mode of calculation, the 
Constitution ought to have been captured. The 
Cyane and Levant could discharge from all their can- 
24 


186 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


non at once, 15141bs. of shot The Constitution 1424. 
Difference, 901bs. 

The Constitution has captured, in her three victo¬ 
ries, 154 gun carriages ; made upwards of 900 pris¬ 
oners ; killed and wounded 298 of the enemy ; and 
the value of property captured, including the stores, 
provisions, &,c. cannot be estimated at less than 
1,500,000. 

The first escape of the Constitution in 1812, was 
from a British squadron, consisting of the African 64, 
Shannon , 38, Guerriere 38, Belvidier 38, and JEolus 
32. The chase continued 51 hours. Her last escape 
was from the Leander 50, Neivcastle 50, and Acas- 
ta 40. 

In 1804, the Constitution made several daring at¬ 
tacks on the batteries before the town Tropoli, moun¬ 
ting 115 pieces of heavy cannon. She repeatedly, 
and for hours, engaged their forts, within musket shot, 
and her bold movements and destructive lire most es¬ 
sentially assisted in wresting from captivity 300 of our 
countrymen, as the Bashaw was compelled to sub¬ 
mit to terms of peace. 


HORNET AND PENGUIN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. BIDDLE TO COM* DE¬ 
CATUR. 

United States Sloop Hornet off Tristand f Acuna , 
Sir, March 25, 1815. 

I have the honor to inform you, that on the morning 
of the 23d inst. at half past 10, when about to anchor 
off the north end of the Island of Tristan d* Acuna, 
a sail was seen to sothered and eastward steering to 
the westward, the wind fresh from S. S. W. In a 
few minutes she had passed on to the westward so 
far that we could not see her for the land. I immedi¬ 
ately made sail for the westward arid shortly after get¬ 
ting in sigh of her again perceived her to bear up 



THE HORNET AND PENGUIN 














































































































































































































































































































































































































































NAVAL MONUMENT. 


187 


before the wind. When she had approached near, I 
filled the main-top-sail, and continued to yaw the ship, 
while she continued to come down, wearing occasion¬ 
ally to prevent her passing under our stern. At 10 
minutes past 1 P. M. being within nearly musket shot 
distance, she hauled her wind on the starboard tack, 
hoisted English colors and fired a gun. We imme¬ 
diately luffed to, hoisted our ensign, and gave the en¬ 
emy a broadside. The action being thus commenced, 
a quick and well directed fire was kept up from this 
ship, the enemy gradually drifting nearer to us, when 
at 55 minutes past 1, he bore up apparently to run us 
on hoard. As soon as I perceived he would certainly 
fall on board, I called the boarders so as to be ready 
to repel any attempt to board us. At the instant eve- 
ery officer and man repaired to the quarter deck, when 
the two vessels were coming in contact, and eagerly 
pressed me to permit them to board the enemy ; but 
this I would not permit, as it was evident from the 
commencement of the action, that our fire was great¬ 
ly superior both in quickness and in effect. The ene¬ 
my’s bowsprit came in between our main and mizzen 
rigging, on our starboard side, affording him an oppor¬ 
tunity to board us, if such was his design ; but no at¬ 
tempt was made. There was a considerable swell 
on, and as the sea lifted us ahead, the enemy’s bow¬ 
sprit carried away our mizzen shrouds, stern davits, 
and spanker boom, and he hung upon our larboard 
quarter. At this moment an officer who was after¬ 
wards recognized to be Mr. M’Donald, the 1st lieu¬ 
tenant and the then commanding officer, called out 
that they had surrendered. I directed the marines 
and musketry-men to cease firing, and while on the 
taffril, asking if they had surrendered, I received a 
wound in the neck. The enemy just then got clear 
of us, and his fore-mast and bowsprit being both gone, 
and perceiving us wearing to give him a fresh broad¬ 
side, he again called out, that he had surrendered. 
It was with difficulty I could restrain my crew from 
firing into him again, as he had certainly fired into us 


188 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


after having surrendered. From the firing of the first 
gun, to the last time the enemy cried out he had sur¬ 
rendered, was exactly twenty-two minutes by the 
watch. She proved to be His Britannic Majesty’s 
brig Penguin , mounting sixteen 321b. carronades, two 
long 12s, a 121b. carronade on the top-gallant fore-cas- 
tle, with a swivel on the capstern in the tops. She 
had a spare port forward, so as to fight both her long 
guns of a side. She sailed from England in Septem¬ 
ber last. She was shorter upon deck than this ship 
by two feet, but she had a greater length of keel, 
greater breadth of beam, thicker sides, and higher 
bulwarks than this ship, and was in all respects a re¬ 
markably fine vessel of her class. The enemy ac¬ 
knowledged a complement of 132 ; 12 of them super¬ 
numerary marines from the Medway 74, received on 
board in consequence of their being ordered to cruise 
for the American privateer Young Wasp. They ac¬ 
knowledge also a loss of 14 killed and 28 wounded ; 
but Mr. Mayo, who was in charge of the prize,assures 
me, that the number of killed was certainly greater. 
Among the killed are Capt. Dickenson, who fell at 
the close of the action, and the boatswain ; among 
the wounded are the 2d lieutenant, purser, and two 
midshipmen. Each of the midshipmen lost a leg. 
We received on board, in all, 118 prisoners, 4 of whom 
have since died of their wounds. Having removed 
the prisoners, and taken on board such provisions and 
stores as would be useful to us I scuttled the Penguin , 
this morning, before day light, and she went down. 
As she was completely riddled by our shot, her fore¬ 
mast and bowsprit both gone, and her mainmast so 
crippled as to be incapable of being secured, it seem¬ 
ed inadvisable, at this distance from home, to attempt 
sending her to the United States. 

This ship did not receive a single round shot in her 
hull, nor any material wound in her spars; the rig¬ 
ging, and sails were very much cut; but having bent 
a new suit of sails, and knotted and secured our rig¬ 
ging, we are now completely ready in all respects, for 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


189 


any service. We were eight men short of a comple¬ 
ment, and had 9 upon the sick list the morning of the 
action. 

Enclosed is a list of killed and wounded. I lament 
to state, that Lieut. Conner is wounded dangerously. 
I feel great solicitude on his account, as he is an offi¬ 
cer of much promise, and his loss would be a serious 
loss to the service. 

It is a most pleasing part of my duty to acquaint 
you, that the conduct of Lieutenants Conner and 
Newton, Mr. Mayo, Acting Lieut. Brownlow of the 
marines, Sailing Master Rommey, and the other offi¬ 
cers, seamen, and marines, I have the honor to com¬ 
mand, was in the highest degree creditable to them, 
and calls for my warmest recommendation. I cannot 
indeed do justice to their merits. The satisfaction 
which was diffused throughout the ship, when it was 
ascertained, that the stranger was an enemy’s sloop of 
war, and the alacrity with which every one repaired 
to his quarters, fully assured me, that their conduct in 
action would be marked with coolness and intrepidity. 

I have the honor to be, 

your obedient servant, 

J. BIDDLE. 

Loss on board the Hornet , 1 killed and 11 wounded. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER ON BOARD 
THE SLOOP OF WAR PEACOCK OFF TRISTAN d’ACUNA. 

April , 10, 1815. 

The Hornet separated in chase, two days out, and 
we fell in, off here, a few days since. We were de¬ 
lighted to hear of her good fortune—so superior to 
our own. She had captured, two days previous, His 
Britannic Majesty’s brig Penguin , after an action of 
20 j minutes. The Penguin was fitted out by Admi¬ 
ral Tyler at the Cape of Good Hope, expressly to 
capture the privateer Young Wasp , who had captured 
an Indiaman in that neighborhood, and landed the 
prisoners ; and was supposed to have brought her 
prize here to strip her and to refresh. The Penguin 


190 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


was commanded by Capt. Dickenson, a distinguished 
young man in their chronicles : and it appears from 
some of his papers, of respectable connexions, and a 
great favorite in the navy. 

Admiral Tyler loaned him 12 marines from the 
Medivay , and was very minute in his instructions, and 
grave to a degree, in his injunctions, upon Dickenson, 
as to the manner of engaging the privateer : to get 
close enough was the great desideratum. What a 
man seeks earnestly he is almost sure to find, and 
Capt. Dickenson supposed he had the Wasp , when he 
only saw the Hornet , a vessel considerably smaller in 
all her dimensions, and decidedly inferior in her arma¬ 
ment to the privateer. The Hornet, on perceiving that 
the brig bore up for her, laid all aback ; the brig came 
stern on, lest the Hornet, might discover her guns 
and be off, and brushing close along side of her, fired 
a gun, and run up her St. George. An entire broad¬ 
side from the Hornet, every shot of which told, open¬ 
ed the eyes of John Bull upon a yankee man of war: 
just what they had been wishing ever since they left 
England. In 20 minutes the Penguin had her fore¬ 
mast over the side—her bowsprit in two pieces—her 
broadside nearly driven in —20 men killed, including 
the captain, and one of Lord Nelson’s boatswains, 
and 35 wounded, including the second lieutenant, 2 
midshipmen, and master’s mate, &c. The Hornet, 
untouched in her hull, was severely cut up in her 
rigging, especially about her main and fore-top-gallant 
masts, her mizzen being a vast deal to low for British 
gunnery—one marine killed, the captain and 1st Lieu¬ 
tenant Conner,(severally) and 9 others wounded. The 
officers of the Penguin ascribed their misfortune en¬ 
tirely to the superiority of the men belonging to the 
Hornet ; and have repeatedly said, they would be glad 
to try it again with her, if the Penguin were manned 
with such men. 

Now these gentlemen left England last September, 
and the prisoners are as stout, fine looking fellows, as 
I ever saw. One fact, which is probable, is worth all 


naval Monument. 


191 


speculation in such an inquiry. On examining her 
guns after the action, a 321b. carronade, on the side 
engaged, was found with his tompion as nicely puttied 
and stopped in as it was the day she left Spithead !— 
Capt. Dickenson, towards the close of the fight, told 
his 1st lieutenant, McDonald, that “the fellows are 
giving it to us like hell; we must get on board and 
on being asked by Biddle why he did not, as there 
never had been a better opportunity—he said, “he did 
try, but found the men rather backward—and so, you 
know, we concluded to give it up.” After M'Donald 
had repeatedly called out that they had surrendered, 
and Biddle had ceased his fire, two fellows on board 
the Penguin fired upon him and the man at the wheel. 
Biddle was struck on the chin, and the ball passing 
round the neck, went off through the cape of his sur- 
tout, wounded him, however, severely, but not dan¬ 
gerously ; the man escaped but the ruffians did not, 
for they were observed by two of Biddle's marines, 
who levelled and laid them dead upon the deck in an 
instant. 


ANECDOTES. 

In this action a private marine of the Hornet , nam¬ 
ed Michael Smith (who had served under the gallant 
Porter in the Essex) received a shot through the upper 
part of the thigh, which fractured the bone* and near¬ 
ly at the same moment had the same thigh broken im¬ 
mediately above the knee by the spanker boom of the 
Hornet , which was carried away by the enemy's bow¬ 
sprit, while afoul of her. In this situation, while 
bleeding upon the deck and unable to rise, he was 
seen to make exertions to discharge his musket at the 
enemy on the top-gallant forecastle of the Penguin — 
this, however the poor fellow was unable to accom¬ 
plish ; and was compelled to be carried below. 

The officers of the Penguin relate, that, during the 
action with the Hornet , a 321b. shot came in at the 
after port of the Penguin , on the larboard side, car¬ 
ried away six legs , killed the powder boy of thfe di- 


192 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


vision, capsized the opposite gun on the starboard 
side, passed through the port, and “ sunk in sullen si¬ 
lence to the bottom.” 


ESCAPE OF THE HORNET. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. BIDDLE TO COM. DE¬ 
CATUR. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Hornet, St, Salvador, June 10,1815. 

I have the honor to report, that the Peacock and 
this ship, having continued off Tristan d’ Acuna the 
number of days directed by you in your letter of in¬ 
structions, proceeded in company to the eastward on 
the 12th of April, bound to the second place of ren¬ 
dezvous. Nothing of any importance occurred to us 
until the 27th of April, when at 7 A. M. in lat. 38° 
30' S. and Ion. 33° E. we made a strange sail in the 
S. E. to which we gave chase. The wind was from 
the N. E. by N. and light throughout the day, and by 
sundown we had neared the chase considerably. It 
was calm during the night, and at day-light on the 
28th, he was yet in sight. A breeze springing from 
the N. W. we crowded sail with steering sails on both 
sides ; the chase standing to the northward upon a 
wind. At 45 minutes past 2 P. M. the Peacock was 
about six miles ahead of this ship ; and observing that 
she appeared to be suspicious of the chase, I took in 
starboard steering sails, and hauled up for the Pea¬ 
cock —I was still, however, of opinion, that the chase 
was an Indiaman, though indeed the atmosphere was 
quite smoky and indistinct, and I concluded, as she 
was very large, that Capt. Warrington was waiting for 
me to join him, that we might together go along side 
of her. At 22 minutes past 3 P. M. the Peacock 
made the signal, that the chase was a ship of the line, 
and an enemy. I immediately took in all steering 
sails, and hauled open a wind ; the enemy then upon 
our lee-quarter, distant about 8 miles. By sun-down 





















































































































































































































































































































































































































i 








NAVAL MONUMENT. 


193 


I had perceived, that the enemy sailed remarkably fast, 
and was very Weatherly. 

At 9 P. M. as the enemy was gaining upon us, and 
as there was every appearance that he would be ena¬ 
bled to keep sight of us during the night, I consider¬ 
ed it necessary to lighten this ship. I therefore threw 
overboard 12 tons of kentledge, part of our shot, some 
of our heavy spars, cut away the sheet anchor and ca¬ 
ble, and started the wedges of the masts. At 2 A. 
M. the enemy being rather before our lee-beam, I 
tacked to the westward ; the enemy also tacked, and 
continued in chase of us. At day light on the 29th, 
he was within gun-shot upon our lee-quarter. At 7 
A. M. having hoisted English colors, and a rear ad¬ 
miral's flag, he commenced firing from his bow guns. 
As his shot went over us, I cut away the remaining 
anchor and cable, threw overboard the launch, six of 
our guns, more of our shot, and every heavy article 
that was at hand ; the enemy fired about thirty shot, 
not one of which took effect, though most of them 
passed over us. While he was firing, I had the satis¬ 
faction to perceive, that we slowly dropped him, and 
at 9 A. M. he ceased his fire. 

At 11 A. M. the enemy was again coming up with 
us. I now, therefore, threw overboard all our re¬ 
maining guns but one long gun nearly all our shot, 
all our spare spars, cut away the top-gallant fore-cas- 
tle, and cleared every thing off deck, as well as from 
below, to lighten as much as possible. At noon the 
enemy again commenced firing. He fired many shot, 
only three of which came on board; two striking the 
hull, and one passing through the jib. It is, however, 
extraordinary, that, every shot did not take effect ; for 
the enemy, the second time he commenced firing, 
was certainly within three quarters of a mile of the 
ship and the sea quite smoth. 

I perceived from his sails that the effect of his fire 
was to deaden his wind, and at 2 P. M. the wind 
which had previously, and grately to our disadvantage, 
backed to the southeast, hulled to the westward, and 
freshened up. At sun-down the enemy was about 
25 


194 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


four miles astern. The wind was fresh, and we went 
at the rate of nine knots throughout the night. We saw 
the enemy at intervals through the squalls during the 
night and at day light, on the 30th, he was about 12 
miles astern, still in chase of us. At 30 minutes after 
9 A. M. he took in steering sails, reefed his top-sail 
and hulled to the eastward, and at 11 he was entirely 
out of sight. 

During the chase the enemy appeared to be very 
crank, and I therefore concluded he must have been 
lightened while in chase of us. I did not at any time 
fire our stern chasers, because it was manifest that the 
enemy injured his sailing by his firing. 

As we had now no anchor, no cable, no boat, and 
but one gun, there was of course an absolute necessi¬ 
ty of relinquishing our intended cruise ; and as in our 
then condition, it would have been extremely hazard¬ 
ous on account of the enemy’s cruisers, to approach 
our own coast, I considered it most advisable to pro¬ 
ceed for this port. I arrived here yesterday, and on 
my arrival I received information of the peace be¬ 
tween the United States and Great Britain. Permit 
me to state, that it was with the most painful reluct¬ 
ance, and upon the fullest conviction that it was in¬ 
dispensable, in order to prevent a greater misfortune, 
that I could bring my mind to consent to part with my 
guns ; and I beg leave to request, that you will be 
pleased to move the honorable secretary of the navy, 
to call a court of inquiry to investigate the loss of the 
arrangement of this ship. It will be very satisfactory 
to me to have such an investigation. 

I have the honor to be, 

respectfully, your obe’t serv’t. 

Com. Decatur. J. BIDDLE. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


195 


Narrative of the escape of the Hornet from a Brit¬ 
ish 74, after a chase of 24 hours—extracted from 
a private journal of one of the officers on hoard the 
Hornet . 

U. S. Ship Hornet , off the Cape of Good Hope, 

May 9, 1815. 

April 27, 1815. At 7 P. M. the Peacock made a 
signal fora strange sail, bearing S. E. by S. We 
immediately made all sail in chase. Friday 28th 
commenced with light breezes and pleasant weather, 
all sail set in chase ; at sun down we had neared the 
stranger considerably, when it fell perfectly calm, and 
remained so during the whole night; the stranger 
ahead, and could discern his top-sails out of the water. 
At day-light the sail not to be seen from the deck; at 
5 A. M. a breeze sprung up from the N. W. we im¬ 
mediately crowded all sail, in order if possible to get 
sight of thp chase again ; soon after descried him 
standing to the northward and eastward on a wind. 
Saturday 29th, at 3-4 past 2 P. M. the Peacock was 
about 10 miles ahead of the Hornet ; we observed 
Capt. Warrington approaching the stranger with much 
precaution ; we therefore took in all our larboard 
steering-sails, set the stay-sails, and hauled up for the 
Peacock , still under the impression the sail in sight 
was an English Indiaman, and from the apparent con¬ 
duct of the commander of the Peacock , we were un¬ 
der the impression (as the ship looked very large) that 
Capt. W. was waiting until we came up with him in 
order to make a joint attack. At half past three, the 
Peacock made the signal, that the chase was a line- 
of-battle ship, and an enemy ; our astonishment may 
easily be conceived; we took in all steering-sails and 
hauled upon the wind, bringing the enemy upon our 
lee-quarter, and about 3 leagues distant; the Peacock 
on his weather bow and apparently not more than 3 
miles from the enemy. At sun-down the enemy bore 
E. half S. the Peacock E. by N. We soon perceiv¬ 
ed the enemy sailed remarkably fast, but the Peacock 


196 


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left him running off to the eastward. The enemy 
continued by the wind and evidently in chase of us, 
at 6, loosed the wedges of the lower masts ; at 8, we 
discovered the enemy weathered upon us fast,and that 
there was every appearance he would, if not come up 
with us, continue in sight all night. It was thought 
necessary to lighten the ship ; at 9 we cut away the 
sheet-anchor, and hove overboard the cable, a quanti¬ 
ty of rigging, spars, &c. At half past 9, scuttled the 
ward-room deck to get at the kentledge, hove over¬ 
board 90 pieces, weighing about 50 tons. At 2 A. 
M. tacked ship to the southward and westward,which 
the enemy no sooner discovered, than he tacked also. 
At day-light he was within shot distance, on our lee- 
quarter ; at 7, he hoisted English colors and a rear 
admiral’s flag at his mizzen-top-gallant masthead, and 
commenced firing from his bow guns, his shot over¬ 
reaching us about a mile. We therefore commenced 
again to lighten the ship, by cutting away our remain¬ 
ing anchors and throwing overboard the cable, cut up 
the launch and hove it overboard, a quantity of pro¬ 
visions with more kentledge, shot, capstern, spars, all 
rigging, sails, guns, and in fact every heavy article 
that could possibly tend to impede the ship’s sailing. 
The enemy continued to fire very heavy and in quick 
succession ; but his British thunder could neither ter¬ 
rify the yankee spirit, diminish yankee skill, nor com¬ 
pel us to show him the yankee stripes, which must 
have irritated him excessively. None of his shot as 
yet had taken effect, although he had been firing for 
near 4* hours incessantly, his shot generally passing 
between our masts. We thought at this period we 
discovered that we were dropping him, as his shot be¬ 
gan to fall short ; this stimulated our gallant crew to 
fresh exertion. At 11, his firing ceased, and the breeze 
began to freshen ; we discovered the enemy was again 
coming up with us fast, which induced a general be¬ 
lief he had made some alteration in the trim of his 
ship. At meridian squally and fresh breezes, wind 
from the westward. Sunday (30th) fresh breezes and 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


197 


squally, the enemy still gaining on the Hornet; at 1 
P. M. being within gun-shot distance, he commenced 
a very spirited and heavy fire with round and grape, 
the former passing between our masts, and the latter 
falling all around us. The enemy fired shells, but 
were so ill directed as to be perfectly harmless. 

From 2 to 3, threw overboard all the muskets, cut¬ 
lasses, forge, &c. &c. and broke up the bell—also 
cut up the top-gallant fore-castle. It was now our 
capture seemed inevitable—the enemy 3-4 of a mile on 
the lee-quarter, pouring in his shot and shells in great 
numbers all around us—continued to lighten the ship, 
by heaving every thing overboard that could either be 
of service to the enemy, or an impediment to the Hor¬ 
net's sailing. The men were ordered to lay down on 
the quarter-deck, in order to trim ship, and to facilitate 
the ship's sailing. At 4, one of the shot from the en¬ 
emy struck the jib-boom, another struck the starboard 
bulwark, just forward of the gangway, and a third 
struck on the deck forward of the main hatch, on the 
larboard side, glanced off and passed through the fore¬ 
sail. At half past 4, we again began to leave the en¬ 
emy, and to appearance, by magic—set the larboard 
lower steering-sail, the wind drawing more aft. At 5 
the enemy's shot fell short. At 6, fresh breezes—the 
enemy hull down in our wake. At 7, could just see 
his lower steering sail above horizon—from 8 to 12, 
discried him at intervals, with night glasses. At day¬ 
light, discovered the enemy astern of us, distant five 
leagues. At 9 A. M. the enemy shortened sail, reefed 
his top-sail, and hauled upon a wind to the eastward, 
after a chase of 42 hours. During this tedious and 
anxious chase, the wind was variable, so as to oblige 
us to make a perfect circle round the enemy. Be¬ 
tween 2 and 3 o’clock yesterday not a person on board 
had the most distant idea that there was a possibility 
of escape. We all packed up our things, and waited 
until the enemy's shot would compel us to heave to 
and surrender, which appeared certain. Never has 
there been so evident an interposition of the goodness 


198 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


of a Divine Father—my heart with gratitude ac¬ 
knowledges his supreme power and goodness. On the 
morning of the 28th, it was very calm, and nothing 
but murmurs were heard throughout the ship, as it 
was feared we should lose our anticipated prize—many 
plans had been formed by us for the disposal of our 
plunder. The seamen declared they would have the 
birth deck carpeted with East India silk, supposing 
her an Indiaman from India ; while the officers, under 
the impression she was from England, were making 
arrangements how we should dispose of the money, 
porter, cheese, &c. &c. Nothing perplexed us more 
than the idea that we should not be able to take out 
all the good things before we should be obliged to de¬ 
stroy her. We were regretting our ship did not sail 
faster, as the Peacock would certainly capture her 
first, and would take out many of the best and most 
valuable articles before we should get up—(this very 
circumstance of our not sailing as fast as the Peacock 
saved us in the first instance from inevitable capture, 
for when Capt. W. made the signal for the sail to be 
an enemy of superior force, we were 4 leagues to 
windward.) We all calculated our fortunes were 
made, but alas, “we caught a Tartar/’ During the 
latter part of the chase, when the shot and shells were 
whistling about our ears, it was an interesting sight 
to behold the varied countenances of our crew. They 
had kept the deck during all the preceding night, em¬ 
ployed continually in lightening the ship, were exces¬ 
sively fatigued, and under momentary expectation of 
falling into the hands of a barbarous and enraged en¬ 
emy. The shot that fell on the main deck, (as before 
related) struck immediately over the head of one of 
our gallant fellows, who had been wounded in our glo¬ 
rious action with the Penguin, where he was lying in 
his cot, very ill with his wounds ; the shot was near 
coining through the deck, and it threw innumerable 
splinters all around this poor fellow, and struck down 
a small paper, American Ensign, which he had hoist¬ 
ed over his bed—destruction apparently stared us in 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


199 


the face, if we did not soon surrender, yet no officer, 
no man, in the ship shewed any disposition to let the 
enemy have the poor little Hornet, Many of our 
men had been impressed and imprisoned for years in 
their horrible service, and hated them and their nation 
with the most deadly animosity ; while the rest of the 
crew, horror-struck by the relation of the sufferings of 
their shipmates, who had been in the power of the 
English, and now equally flushed with rage, joined 
heartily in execrating the present authors of our mis¬ 
fortune. Capt. Biddle mustered the crew, and told 
them he was pleased with their conduct during the 
chase, and hoped still to perceive that propriety of 
conduct which had always marked their character, 
and that of the American tar generally ; that we might 
soon expect to be captured, &c. Not a dry eye was 
to be seen at this mention of capture ; the rugged 
hearts of the sailors, like ice before the sun, warmed 
by the divine power of sympathy, wept in unison with 
their brave commander. About 2 o’clock, the wind, 
which had crossed us, and put to the test all our nau¬ 
tical skill to steer clear of the enemy, now veered in 
our favor (as before stated) and we left him. This 
was truly a glorious victory over the horrors of ban¬ 
ishment and terrors of a British floating dungeon. 
Quick as thought, every face was changed from the 
gloom of despair to the highest smile of delight, and 
we began once more to breathe the sweets of liberty 
—the bitter sighs of regret were now changed, and I 
put forth my expression of everlasting gratitude to 
him, the supreme Author of our being, who had thus 
signally delivered us from the power of a cruel and 
vindictive enemy. 

COURT OF INQUIRY. 

A naval court of inquiry was held by order of the 
secretary of the navy, on board the* U. S. ship Hor¬ 
net, in the harbour of New-York, on the 23d of Aug. 
1815, to investigate the causes of the return of that 
ship into port and to inquire into the circumstances 


200 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


attending the loss of armament, stores, &c. during 
her cruise ; and the following opinion has been pro¬ 
nounced by the court : 

The court, after mature deliberation on the testimo¬ 
ny adduced, are of opinion, that no blame is imputa¬ 
ble to Capt. Biddle, on account of the return of the 
Hornet into port, with the loss of her armament, 
stores, &/C. and that the greatest applause is due to 
him for his persevering gallantry nautical skill, evinced 
in escaping, under the most disadvantageous circum¬ 
stance, after a long and arduous chase by a British 
line-of-battle ship. 

SAMUEL EVANS, President . 

Henry Wheaton, Special Judge Advocate. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


201 


FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE LATE 
WAR. 


PRESIDENT AND BELVIDERA. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. HULL TO THE SECRETARY 
OF THE NAVY. 

United States Frigate Constitution. 

Sir, August 28, 1812. 

The enclosed account of the affair between the 
President, Com. Rodgers, and the British frigate 
Belvidera, was taken by an officer, on board the Bel- 
videra, and fell into my hands by accident. It clearly 
proves that she only escaped the commodore by supe¬ 
rior sailing, after having lightened her, and the Presi¬ 
dent being very deep. 

As much has been said on this subject; if Com. 
Rodgers has not arrived, to give you his statement of 
the affair, if it meet your approbation, I should be 
pleased to have this account published, to prevent 
people from making up their minds hastily, as I find 
them willing to do. 

I am confident, could the commodore have got 
along side the Belvidera, she would have been his, in 
less than one hour. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, &c. ISAAC HULL. 

An account of the proceedings of His Majesty’s ship 
Belvidera, Richard Byron Esq. Captain, 23d of 
June, 1812. 

At 40 minutes past 4 A. M. off Nantucket Shoal, 
saw several sail bearing S. W. made sail towards 
them : at 30 minutes past 6, they bore S. W. by S. 
made them out to be three frigates, one sloop, and 
26 



202 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


one brig of war, standing to the S. E. under a press 
of sail. Observed them to make signals, and haul up 
in chase of us, hauling down their steering-sails, in a 
confused, and irregular manner. Tacked ship, made 
the private signal, which was not answered ; made all 
sail possible, N. E. by E.; at 8, moderate and fine 
weather, the headmost ship of the chase S. S. W. 1-3 
W. apparently gaining ground on us at times, and 
leaving her consort. At 30 minutes past 11, hoisted 
our colors and pendant; the chase hoisted American 
colors, two of them hoisted commodore’s broad pend¬ 
ants ; at noon the commodore and the second head¬ 
most ship of the chase S. W. 3-4 W. about 2 and 
3-4 of a mile, Nantucket Shoal N. 4° E. 48 miles ; 
moderate and fine weather, cleared ship for action, 
commodore of chase grining, the other ships dropping; 
observed the chase pointing her guns at us ; at 40 
minutes past 3 P. M. the commodore fired 3 shotjone 
of which struck the rudder coat, and came into the af¬ 
ter gun room ; the other two came into the upper, or 
captain’s cabin, one of which struck the muzzle of the 
larboard chase gun, the other went through the beam 
under the skylight, killed William Gould, seaman ; 
wounded John Hill, armourer, mortally ; Joseph Lee, 
seaman, severely ; George Marlon, ship’s corporal, 
badly; Lieut. Bruce, and James Kelly and James 
Larmont, seamen, slightly. At 45 minutes past 3, 
commenced firing with our stern guns, shot away her 
larboard lower steering sail, keeping our ship a steady 
course N. E. by E. at 4, the chase bore up and fired 
her larboard broad side, which cut our rigging and 
sails much, the long bolts, breeching-hooks, and 
breechings of guns and carronades frequently breaking 
(by one of which Capt. Byron was severely wounded 
in the left thigh) all of which was instantly replaced. 
Kept up a constant fire, which was returned by our 
opponent with bow-chase guns, and at times by her 
broadsides, which by her superiority of sailing she 
was enabled to do till 45 minutes past 6, when we cut 
away our spar sheet and small bower anchors, barge, 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


103 


yawl, and jolly boats, and started 14 tons of water ; 
we then gained on him, when he bore up and fired 
three broadsides, part of which fell short of us ; at 7, 
opponent ceased firing, and the second frigate com¬ 
menced, but finding her shot fell short, ceased again. 
Employed fishing our cross-jack yard, and main top¬ 
mast (both badly wounded,) knotting and splicing our 
rigging, which was much cut and damaged. At 11, 
altered our course to E. by S. 1-2 S. and lost sight 
of our opponents. 

AMERICAN SaUADRON. 

Boston , Sept. 1, 1812. 

We with pleasure announce the safe arrival in this 
port on Monday last of the United States squadron 
commanded by Com. Rodgers, which sailed from 
New-York, on the 21st June, on a cruise. The 
squadron, composed of the President , of 44 guns, 
bearing Com. Rodgers' flag ; the United States 44, 
bearing Com. Decatur's flag ; Congress 36, Capt. 
Smith ; Hornet 16, Capt. Lawrence ; and brig Ar¬ 
gus 16, Capt. Sinclair; came into harbor in a hand¬ 
some style. The squadron had been seventy days at 
sea, during which time they had been nearly to the 
chops of the English Channel, along the coast of 
France, Spain, and Portugal; to within ten leagues 
of the Rock of Lisbon ; to the vicinity of the West¬ 
ern Islands ; and back by the Banks and Coast of 
Nova Scotia to Boston ; during which time they did 
not even see a single British national vessel, excepting 
the Belvidera, with whom the President had a run¬ 
ning fight of some hours. They have captured seven 
English merchantmen, two of which they burnt, and 
sent the other five for American ports, none of which, 
as we have learnt, have been fortunate enough to ar¬ 
rive. 

The running fight between the President and Bel- 
videra is thus stated :—The latter was descried on the 
23d June, when the squadron gave chase. The Pres¬ 
ident, by superiority of sailing, got within gun-shot 


104 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


of the Belvidera , between four and five o’clock P. M. 
when finding the breeze, which had enabled the Pres¬ 
ident to overhaul the chase, was moderating, and that 
the chase was preparing to fire on the President , the 
latter commenced firing for the purpose of crippling 
the spars of the Belvidera , in order to come up with 
her. The fire was kept up two hours ; the President 
yawing, and firing two or three broadsides to effect 
her object, and keeping up a constant fire of the chase 
guns, which though it cut the sails and rigging, did 
not stop the way of the Belvidera , which, as the wind 
became light, was accelerated by her crowding all 
sail, starting her water, cutting away her anchors,and 
by staving and throwing over her boats. The chase 
continued until near midnight; during which the Con¬ 
gress frigate came so near the Belvidera as to fire 
three or four shot at her. The Hornet, as reported, 
had no share in the firing. Early in the chase a very 
serious accident occurred on board the President — 
one of the forward guns, in being fired, burst, tore up 
the decks, killed several seamen, and wounded 11 or 
12 others—among whom was Com. Rodgers, who had 
stepped forward to direct the firing of the chase guns, 
and who was blown up, and in the fall had the bone 
of his leg fractured. He has since recovered. This 
accident also prevented the chase sruns being used for 
some time. The loss of the President we have not 
accurately ascertained. We understand 4 were killed 
by the bursting of the gun, and 3 by the shot of the 
Belvidera ; and 19 were wounded, mostly slightly, 
and by the bursting gun. 

We lament to learn, that the crews of the ships are 
very sickly, mostly of scurvy—occasioned by short 
allowance of provisions and water, made necessary in 
consequence of the sudden departure of the squadron 
from New-York, and the length of her cruise. Many 
have died. [Centinel.] 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


205 


FROM COM. RODGERS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Frigate Fresident, Boston, Sept. 1 , 1812. 
Sir—I had the honor yesterday of informing you of 
the arrival of the squadron, and now to state the result 
and particulars of our cruise. 

Previous to leaving New-York on the 21st of June, 
I heard that a British convoy had sailed from Jamaica 
for England on or about the 20th of the preceding 
month, and on being informed of the declaration of 
war against Great Britain, I determined, in the event 
of Com. Decatur joining me with the United States, 
Congress, and Argus, as you had directed to go in 
pursuit of them. 

The United States, Congress, and Argus, did join 
me on the 21st; with which vessels, this ship and the 
Hornet accordingly sailed in less than an hour after I 
received your orders of the 18th of June, accompani¬ 
ed by your official communication of the declaration 
of war. 

On leaving New-York I shaped our course south¬ 
easterly in the expectation of falling in with vessels, 
by which 1 should hear of the before mentioned con¬ 
voy, and the following night met with an American 
brig that gave me the sought-for information ; the 
squadron now crowded sail in pursuit, but the next 
morning was taken out of its course by the pursuit of 
a British frigate, that I since find was the Belvidera, 
relative to which I beg leave to refer you to the enclo¬ 
sed extract from my journal. After repairing as far 
as possible the injury done by the Belvidera to our 
spars and rigging, we again crowded all sail, and re¬ 
sumed our course in pursuit of the convoy, but did not 
receive further intelligence of it until the 29th of June, 
on the western edge of the banks of Newfoundland, 
where we spoke an American schooner, the master of 
which reported that he had two days before passed 
them in latitude 43°, longitude 55°, steering to the 
eastward. I was surprised to find that the convoy 
was still so far to the eastward of us, but was urged, 


206 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


however, as well by what I considered my duty as by 
inclination, to continue the pursuit. 

On the 1st of July, a little to the eastward of New¬ 
foundland Bank, we fell in with quantities of cocoa 
nut-shells, orange-peels, which indicated that the con¬ 
voy were not far distant, and we pursued it with zeal, 
although frequently taken out of our course by vessels 
it was necessary to chase, without gaining any further 
intelligence until the 9th of July, in laf. 45° 30' long. 
23°, we captured the British private armed brig Dol¬ 
phin , of Jersey, and were informed by some of her 
crew that they had seen the convoy the preceding even¬ 
ing ; the weather was not clear at the time, but that 
they had counted 85 sail, and that the force charged 
with its protection consisted in one two-decker, a frig¬ 
ate, a sloop of war, and a brig. 

This was the last intelligence I received of the be¬ 
fore-mentioned convoy, although its pursuit was con¬ 
tinued until the 13th of July, being then within 18 or 
20 hours sail of the British channel. 

From this we steered for the Island of Madeira, 
passed close by it on the 21st of July ; thence near 
the Azores, and saw Corvo and Flores ; thence steer¬ 
ed for the banks of Newfoundland ; and from the 
latter place, by the way of Cape Sable, to this port, 
it having become indispensably necessary, by the time 
we reached our own coast, to make the first conven¬ 
ient port in the United States ; owing, I am sorry to 
say, to that wretched disease, the scurvy, having made 
its appearance on board of the vessels, most generally 
to a degree seriously alarming. 

From the western part of the banks of Newfound¬ 
land to our making the Island of Madeira the weath¬ 
er was such, at least six days out of seven, as to ob¬ 
scure from our discovery every object that we did not 
pass within four or five miles of, and indeed for several 
days together the fog was so thick as to prevent our 
seeing each other, even at cable’s length asunder, 
more than twice or thrice in 24 hours. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


207 


From the time of our leaving the United States un¬ 
til our arrival here we chased every vessel we saw, 
and you will not be a little astonished when I inform 
you, that, although we brought to every thing we did 
chase, with the exception of four vessels, we only made 
seven captures and one recapture. 

It is truly an unpleasant task to be obliged to make 
a communication thus barren of benefit to our coun¬ 
try ; the only consolation I individually feel on the 
occasion being derived from knowing, that our being 
at sea obliged the enemy to concentrate a considerable 
portion of his most active force, and thereby prevented 
his capturing an incalculable amount of American 
property that would otherwise have fallen a sacrifice. 

I am aware of the anxiety you must have experien¬ 
ced at not hearing from me for such a length of time ; 
but this I am sure you will not attribute in any degree 
to neglect, when I inform you, that not a single prop¬ 
er opportunity occurred from the time of leaving the 
United States until our return. 

Mr. Newcomb, who will deliver you this, you will 
find to be an intelligent young man, capable of giving 
such further information as you may deem of any mo¬ 
ment. He will at the same time deliver you a chart, 
showing the tract in which we cruised. Annexed is a 
list of vessels captured, recaptured, and burnt. 

The four vessels we chased and did not come up 
with, were the Belvidercc , a small pilot-boat schooner, 
supposed to be an American privateer, the herma¬ 
phrodite privateer Yankee , which we lost sight of in a 
fog, but whose character we afterwards learnt, and a 
frigate supposed to be British, that we chased on the 
28th ult. near the shoal of George’s bank, and should 
certainly have come up with, had we had the advan¬ 
tage of two hour’s more day-light. 

On board of the several vessels of the squadron 
there are between 80 and 100 prisoners, taken from 
the vessels we captured during our late cruise. The 
government not having any agent for prisoners here, 
I shall send them to Com. Bainbridge, to be disposed 


208 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


of in such a manner as best appears with the interest 
of the United States, and which I hope may meet 
your approbation. 

With the greatest respect, I have the honor 

to be, sir, your obedient servant, 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, JOHN RODGERS. 

Sec'y of the navy. 

extract from com. rodgers’ journal. 

Sailed from New-York June 21. The 23d, 6 A. 
M. discovered and gave chase to an English frigate, 
supposed to be the Belvidera. The superiority of the 
President's sailing, while the breeze continued fresh, 
enabled her to get within gun-shot between 4 and 5 
P. M. when it had moderated so much as to give very 
faint hopes of getting along side. At this time per¬ 
ceiving she was training her guns to bear upon the 
President , the latter commenced a fire at her spars 
and rigging, with the view to cripple and get abreast 
of her, a fire was kept up about two hours. The 
President gave her two or three broadsides, and kept 
up a well directed fire from the chase guns, which cut 
her sails and rigging very much, but did not succeed 
in destroying any of her spars, although some of them 
were much wounded. The President all this time 
was exposed to a running fire from her four stern- 
chasers ; and once the British frigate commenced a 
fire from her main deck, with an intention of raking 
the President with a broadside, but at that moment 
receiving one from the President , continued the 
course under a press of sail, and used only her stern 
guns. All sail was crowded in pursuit, but in vain. 
The chase was now throwing overboard every thing 
that could be spared, to increase her sailing, and es¬ 
caped by lightness of the wind ; four of her boats 
were seen floating by the President, completely knock¬ 
ed to pieces, together with a great number of casks, 
spars, <fec. and it was supposed most of her guns were 
also thrown overboard. 

The President received a considerable number of 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


209 


shot in her sails and rigging, but was not materially 
injured. The chase was continued till about mid¬ 
night, when it was relinquished as hopeless, and the 
President hove to for the squadron to come up. Ear¬ 
ly in the chase, one of the President's chase guns, on 
the gun-deck, burst, and injured the upper deck so 
much, as to prevent the use of the chase guns on that 
side for a considerable time. The President had 3 
killed, and 19 wounded ; most of the latter slightly ; 
of the wounded, 16 were by the bursting of the gun. 
It was by the same gun Com. Rodgers had his leg 
fractured ; but has recovered. 

The squadron afterwards pursued the Jamaica fleet, 
but owing to uncommonly foggy weather, missed them, 
although at times very near. 

After the renconter above related, Capt. Byron, of 
the Belvidera , in conversation with an American gen¬ 
tleman, observed that, in his opinion, Com. Rodgers 
had done every thing on board the President , which 
could have contributed to the capture of his ship. 
When the squadron first gave chase to the Belvidera , 
they gained upon her very fast; and Capt. Byron con¬ 
sidered his vessel as lost; but as a last resort^ when 
the President was coming up within gun-shot of the 
Belvidera , orders were given to cut away the anchors, 
stave the water casks, and throw overboard the boats, 
and every thing moveable, which could be spared, and 
which could tend to lighten the ship. As soon as this 
had been done, it was observed that the Belvidera be¬ 
gan to draw from the chase ; which being discovered 
by Com. Rodgers, he opened his fire upon her, in hope 
of disabling some of her spars, and thereby enable 
him to come up with her. Capt. Byron declared,that 
the fire from the President was extremely well direc¬ 
ted, almost every shot taking effect; and that to the 
circumstance above related, and the wind at the same 
time becoming more light, was his escape to be at¬ 
tributed. 

A declaration, like this, coming from an enemy, is 
conclusive evidence of the good conduct of Com. 
Rodgers. 


27 


210 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


BRIG NAUTILUS. 

The U. S. brig Nautilus, 12 guns, Capt. Crane, 
(the loss of which was mentioned on page 9,) sixteen 
hours from New-York, on a cruise, was captured the 
16th of July by the British frigate Shannon, after a 
hard chase of six hours, during which the Nautilus 
was obliged to start her water, and throw over all her 
lee-guns. She was ordered to Halifax, with Lieut. 
Crane on board ; the remainder of the officers and 
crew (106 in number) were sent on board the Africa. 

LETTER FROM A WARRANT OFFICER OF THE NAUTILUS 
TO IIIS FATHER. 

On hoard His Britannic Majesty's ship Africa, 

at sea, lat. 37°, long. 69°, July 23, 1812. 
Honored Sir, 

I have to inform you that we sailed from New York 
the 15th July on a cruise. On the 16th at sun-rise 
discovered five sail to windward, which proved to be 
the British ships Africa, Shannon, Guerriere, BAd¬ 
der a, and Molus, and which gave us chase, we then 
standing E. We immediately wore ship to the W. 
and made all sail, it then blowing fresh, and used 
every exertion to get clear by throwing overboard our 
anchors, part of our guns, and starting water in the 
hold ; all which proved fruitless. At half past 12, 
after a chase of six hours, the Shannon came within 
half gun-shot; when we had no alternative but to 
strike our colors to a force so superior to ours. The 
officers and crew behaved like men, and would not 
have submitted but to a greatly superior force. Great 
praises are due to Capt. Crane for his officer and sea¬ 
manlike conduct; and the lieutenants and other offi¬ 
cers merit the attention of a grateful country. 

Since we have been prisoners we have been treated 
with the utmost politeness and humanity by the officers 
of this ship. We have every indulgence which wfe 
could expect, and can hardly realize that we are pris¬ 
oners. We expect in a few days to be sent to Hali- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


211 


fax, to remain until we are exchanged, which we hope 
will be soon, and that in the mean time our country 
will not forget us. I am, &c 


ESSEX AND ALERT. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. PORTER OF THE ESSEX FRIGATE TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, At sea , Aug. 17, 1812. 

I have the honor to inform you, that on the 13th his 
Britannic Majesty's sloop of war Alert , Capt. T. L. 
P. Laugharne, ran down on our weather quarter,gave 
three cheers, and commenced an action (if so trifling 
a skirmish deserves the name) and after eight minutes 
firing struck her colors, with seven feet water in her 
hold, much cut to pieces, and 3 men wounded. 

I need not inform you that the officers and crew of 
the Essex behaved as I trust all Americans will in 
such cases, and it is only to be regretted, that so much 
zeal and activity could not have been displayed on an 
occasion that would have done them more honor. The 
Essex has not received the slightest injury. 

The Alert was out for the purpose of taking the 
Hornet! 

I have the honor to be with great respect, 

your obedient servant, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, D. PORTER. 

Sec’y of the navy. 

The Alert mounted twenty 181b. carronades, [rated 
in Steel's list 16] and had 130 men. 

Sir, At sea , Aug. 20, 1812. 

Finding myself much embarrassed by the Alert from 
the great number of prisoners we have already made 
(about 500) I concluded that before our arrival in 
America the number would be considerably augmen¬ 
ted, and as I found my provisions and water getting 
short, and being well satisfied that a plan had been 



212 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


organized by them for rising on the ship in the event 
of an engagement; I considered it to be for the inter¬ 
est of my country to get clear of them as speedily as 
possible, particularly as I was well assured that im¬ 
mediately on their arrival at St. Johns, an equal 
number of my countrymen would be released and find 
a sure and immediate conveyance. I therefore drew 
up written stipulations corresponding with the accom¬ 
panying letters ; threw all the guns of the Alert over¬ 
board ; withdrew from her all the men belonging to 
the Essex ; appointed Lieut. J. P. Wilmer to com¬ 
mand her as a cartel, put all my prisoners on board 
her, and despatched her for St. Johns, in Newfound¬ 
land, with orders to proceed from thence to New-York 
with such Americans as he may receive in exchange. 

At a more suitable opportunity I shall do myself 
the honor to lay before you copies of every paper rel¬ 
ative to this transaction, and sincerely hope that my 
conduct in this affair may meet with your approbation. 

As the Essex has been so annoying about Bermuda, 
Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, I expect I shall have 
to run the gauntlet through their cruisers; you may 
however rest assured, that all a ship of her size can do 
shall be done, and whatever may be our fate our 
country shall never blush for us. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, D. PORTER. 

Sec’y of navy. 

We are obliged to omit the correspondence be¬ 
tween Captains Porter and Laugharne, in which it 
was finally agreed that the Alert , after being disarmed, 
should go to Newfoundland, as a cartel, with the Brit¬ 
ish prisoners. The Alert afterwards returned to New 
York with American prisoners, 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ADMIRAL DUCKWORTH TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

St. Johns , Neivfoundland , Aug. 31, 1812. 

A vessel captured as the Alert has been, could not 
have been vested with the character of a cartel, until 


P^AVAL MONUMENT. 


213 


she had entered a port of the nation by which she had 
been captured, and been regularly fitted out from 
thence. For every prize might otherwise be provided 
with a flag of truce, and proposals for an exchange of 
prisoners; and rendered thus effectually secure against 
the possibility of recapture ; while the cruising ship 
would be enabled to keep at sea with an undiminished 
crew ; the cartels being always navigated by the pris¬ 
oners of war. 

It is utterly inconsistant with the laws of war to re¬ 
cognise the principle upon which this arrangement has 
been made. 

Nevertheless I am willing to give a proof at once 
of my respect for the liberality which the captain of 
the Essex has acted, in more than one instance, to¬ 
wards the British subjects who have fallen into his 
hands; of the sacred obligation that is always felt, to 
fulfil the engagements of a British officer; and of my 
confidence in the disposition of his royal highness the 
Prince Regent, to allay the violence of war by en¬ 
couraging a reciprocation of that courtesy by which 
its pressure upon individuals may be so essentially di¬ 
minished. 

On the 4th of this month, a midshipman of the Es¬ 
sex arrived, and presented to me a letter from his cap¬ 
tain, proposing an exchange for 86 British prisoners. 
The midshipman had however been placed alone in 
the charge of one of the captured vessels, with 86 
prisoners, to conduct them to this port. A list of 40 
prisoners of the same description, disposed of in the 
same manner, has been sent to me by the commander 
of the American private armed schooner the Rossie. 

It is incumbant upon me to protest in the strongest 
manner against the practice of conducting exchanges 
upon terms like these; and so signify, to you that it 
will be utterly impossible for me to incur, in future, 
the responsibility of assenting to them. 


214 


NAVAL MONUMENT^. 


WASP AND FROLIC. 

The capture of the Frolic, by the Wasp has been 
already given. See. page 14. After Capt. Jones 
had manned his prize, the Wasp and the Frolic had 
the misfortune to fall in with the Poicliers 74, Capt. 
Beresford, and both were captured and sent to Bermu¬ 
da. Lieut. James Biddle was on board the Wasp as 
a volunteer, and has briefly narrated the occurrence in 
the following letter to his father. 

His Britannic Majesty's Ship Poictiers 74, at sea, 

My dear father, Oct. 21, 1812. 

The fortune of war has placed us in the hand of 
the enemy. We have been captured by this ship, af¬ 
ter having ourselves captured his Britannic majesty’s 
brig Frolic, 

The Frolic was superior in force to us ; she moun¬ 
ted eighteen 321b carronades, and two long 9s. The 
Wasp you know has only 16 carronades. The action 
lasted 43 minutes; we had 5 killed, and the slaugh¬ 
ter on board the Frolic was dreadful. We are bound 
into Bermuda. I am quite unhurt. 

In haste, &c. J. BIDDLE 

A court of inquiry, convened to investigate the con¬ 
duct of Capt. Jones in surrendering the Wasp, gave 
the following opinion, which was approved by the sec¬ 
retary of the navy. 

“The court, having heard the statement and evi¬ 
dence in this case, and having maturely considered the 
circumstances attending the surrender of the U. S. 
ship Wasp, of 16 guns, to his Britannic majesty,s 
ship of the line, the Poictiers, of 74 guns; particu¬ 
larly the crippled and disabled state of the Wasp from 
the brilliant and successful action with Ins Britannic 
majesty’s ship the Frolic, of superior force to the 
Wasp about two hours before the Poictiers hove in 
sight, and the force and condition of the Poictiers, 
which made it useless for them to contend, and ren¬ 
dered them unable to escape, are unanimously of opin¬ 
ion, that there was no impropriety of conduct on the 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


215 


part of the officers and crew of the said ship Wasp dur¬ 
ing the chase by the Poictiers, or in the surrender; but 
that the conduct of the officers and crew of the Wasp 
on said occasion was eminently distinguished for firm¬ 
ness and gallantry, in making every preparation and 
exertion, of which their situation would admit.” 


VIXEN. 

The United States brig Vixen, Cap. Reed, was 
captured in November 1812, by the Southampton 32, 
commanded by Sir James Lucas Yeo, after a chase 
of nine hours. Both vessels were afterwards totally 
lost on the island of Conception (Bahama,) but the 
crews were saved and carried to Nassau. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. SIR JAMES LUCAS YEO, OF 
HIS MAJESTY’S SHIP SOUTHAMPTON, TO VICE ADMIRAL 
STIRLING. 

His Majesty's Ship Southampton , at sea , 
Sir, Nov. 22, 1812. 

His Majesty’s ship under my command, this day 
captured the United States brig Vixen , Capt. George 
Reed, mounting twelve 18 pounders, carronades, two 
long 9s, and 130 men. She had been out five weeks, 
and I am happy to say, had not made any capture. 

I have 4&/C 

JAMES LUCAS YEO, Capt. 
Charles Stirling, Esq. 

Vice Admiral of the white tyc. 


CAPTURE OF THE SWALLOW. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. RODGERS TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

United States Frigate President, at sea, 
g IR) October, 17, 1812. 

I have the honor to acquaint you that on the 15th 
inst. near the Grand Bank, this ship, the Congress in 




216 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


company, captured the British king's packet Swallow, 
Joseph Morphew commander, bound from Kingston, 
Jamaica, to Falmouth. The rank of the commander 
of this vessel is that of a master and commander in 
the navy. She had no cargo on board except twenty 
boxes of gold and silver, amounting to between one 
hundred and fifty and two hundred thousand dollars. 
The specie I took out of her, and had intended send¬ 
ing her to England in the character of a cartel with 
her own crew ; but having fallen in with the American 
schooner Eleanor', bound from Baltimore to France, 
dismasted, induced me to change my determination. 

With the greatest respect, &c. 

JOHN RODGERS. 

The President and Congress arrived at Boston on 
the 31st of December, after an active cruise of be¬ 
tween 80 and 90 days. The President brought in 
about 50 prisoners. The cash taken from the packet 
Swallow was carried to the bank from the navy yard, 
with drums beating, and colours flying, in several 
waggons, escorted by a part of the crews of the fri¬ 
gates, and a detachment of marines, amidst the huzzas 
of a large concourse of spectators. The specie and 
gold dust deposited amounted to nearly three hundred 
thousand dollars. 

Richard Moss, quarter-master-gunner,died on board 
the President, Oct. 16. A few hours before his death, 
he informed Com. Rodgers, that he had a wife and 
three children in Boston, dependent on him for sup¬ 
port ; and expressed considerable anxiety for them, 
knowing he had bui little time to live. Soon after his 
death, at the suggestion of Com. Rodgers, a sub¬ 
scription paper was opened, which he headed, and was 
handed through the ship to the officers and crew for 
subscription, when upwards of seven hundred dollars 
were immediately subscribed by the generous officers 
and tars, for the relief of the widow and children. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


217 


ESCAPE OF THE ARGUS. 

The nautical skill of the officers of our navy has 
often been acknowledged by the British. The fol¬ 
lowing instance cannot but gratify the friends of the 
navy and of the officer who conducted the escape. 

The United States bri g Argus, Capt. Sinclair, sail¬ 
ed from Boston in company with the United States. 
After parting with her consort, she proceeded to the 
coast of Brazil, down the north coast of the country 
from St. Roquo to Surrinam ; thence she passed to 
the windward of the island, and in every direction be¬ 
tween the Bermudas, Halifax, and the continent. 
She arrived at New-York in the month of December, 
after a cruise of 96 days, having made five prizes, val¬ 
ued at $200,000. During her cruise she fell in with 
a squadron of the enemy, consisting of six sail, two 
of which were of the line, one of them a remarkably 
fast sailer. The favor of the moon enabled them to 
chase by night as well as in the day, the chase was 
continued for three days, without intermission, and 
under various circumstances, but the unremitted 
exertions of his officers and crew enabled him to 
elude the pursuit. Pressed on all sides by the num¬ 
ber of the enemy, and the baffling and unsettled state 
of the weather, the Argus was at one time within mus¬ 
ket shot of a 74, and at another surrounded. The de¬ 
termined vigilance of Capt. Sinclair rescued her from 
the difficulty. They had joined in the chase an armed 
transport, with a view no doubt of destracting the at¬ 
tention and deceiving the chase, which being discov¬ 
ery, he bore down upon her, and compelled her to 
clear the way. Such was the confidence of Capt. 
Sinclair in the sailing of the Argus , that during the 
chase, although at one time so closely pressed as to be 
compelled to lighten his vessel, by throwing over nis 
spare anchors and spars and deck boats,and starting the 
salt water with which his casks had been filled as the 
fresh had been used, and reduced to the last necessity 
of wetting his sails ; yet did he preserve all his guns, 


218 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


and one night, during the chase, he found time to cap¬ 
ture, man, and despatch a prize. So close were they 
upon him, that when he again made sail, two of the 
ships opened their batteries upon him. 

NAVAL ANECDOTE. 

On board the United States , Capt. Decatur, was 
a little boy, about nine years old. He was not con¬ 
sidered one of the regular crew ; but he shared the 
mess of a generous sailor, who had, two years before, 
taken him from his widowed mother. The spirit of 
his father, who had also been a seaman, had long since 
gone aloft, and left his wife and little ones on the 
shoals of poverty. 

When the Macedonian hove in sight, and all hands 
were clearing ship for action, the little fellow stepped 
up to Com. Decatur,—“And it please you, Captain,” 
said he, “I wish my name might be put down on the 
roll.”—“And what for my lad ?”—inquired the com¬ 
modore. “ So that I can draw a share of the prize 
money, sir,” answered he. Pleased with the spirit 
and confident courage of the little hero, his name was 
ordered on the list; but the moment was to important 
to say more. 

After the prize was taken, Decatur thought of the 
little sailor boy, and called him up—“ Well, Bill,” 
said he, “ we have taken her, and your share of the 
prize, if we get her safe in, may be about two hun¬ 
dred dollars ; what will you do with it ? ”—“I'll send 
one half to my mother, sir, and the other half shall 
send me to school.” “ That’s noble,” cried the com¬ 
modore, delighted with the spirit of the lad, took him 
under his immediate protection, and obtained for him 
the birth of a midshipman. Every attention has been 
paid to his education, and he gives great promise of 
making an accomplished officer. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


219 


EXTRACT OF A PRIVATE LETTER FROM COM. BATNBRIDGE. 

At sea , January 24 1 , 1813. 

“ The Java was exceedingly well fought and brave¬ 
ly defended. Poor Lambert, whose death I sincerely 
regret, was a distinguished, gallant officer, and wor¬ 
thy man. He has left a widow and two helpless chil¬ 
dren ! But his country makes provision for such events. 

“We are now homeward bound. The damage the 
Constitution received in the action, and the decayed 
state she is in makes it necessary for me to return to 
the United States for repairs ; this I much regret ; 
my crew participate in this sentiment ; they are how¬ 
ever consoling themselves with the hope of receiving 
their prize money. One says, he will buy himself a 
snug little ship on the highest hill he can find, that he 
may thence, in his old age, view all our sea-fights. 
Another, that now he will marry his Poll—another, 
that he will send his little Jack to school, &c. 

“Poor fellows, I trust they will not be disappoint¬ 
ed in their expectations. Twice have they willingly 
and gallantly encountered the enemy, and twice have 
they succeeded. To return home now, and find they 
have nothing but a remnant of pay coming to them, 
would be extremely mortifying. It would inevitably 
depress their spirits, and damp that noble ardor which 
they have hitherto felt and displayed. The officer 
may feel differently. For the performance of his du¬ 
ty he feels a reward in his own bosom, and in his coun¬ 
try's thanks. Patriotism and a laudable thirst for re¬ 
nown, will lead him to court perils in defence of his 
country's rights. These feelings operate upon the sai¬ 
lor also : but to keep up the high tone of his ardor, he 
must have prize money in view. 

True policy, in my humble opinion, dictates the de¬ 
struction of the enemy’s ships after capture ; for by 
manning them, even if they are left in a managable 
situation, our ships would be so weakened in their 
crews, that they would be liable to be captured by an 
equal, or insulted by an inferior force. The act of 


220 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


destruction is done by the command of the captain 
only—the crew who have exposed their lives equally 
with him, have not the right of opposition. When i 
ordered the Java to be destroyed, these considerations 
presented themselves to my mind with great force.— 
Surely justice and sound policy obviously recommend 
a liberal provision in their favor. In making these 
observations I am not influenced by any selfish motive. 
The applause of my countrymen has for me greater 
charms than all the gold that glitters. But justice to 
those who have bravely fought under my command, 
and assisted me in gaining this victory, requires at my 
hands an exertion in their behalf; and should it please 
heaven to conduct us safe to our native shores, 1 shall 
not fail to use my best endeavors, solemnly believing, 
as I do, that the principle is all important to the con¬ 
tinued success of our navy. For if it is, as I hold it, 
the indispensable duty of the commander to destroy 
the capture on account of the gauntlet he would have 
to run with both the prize and his own ship (except 
he should be very near one of our own ports) and the 
captain to receive (which is almost always the case) 
all the honor, and the others no compensation—is it 
not natural to suppose, that the ardent desire which 
our seamen, at present, so strongly manifest, to get 
into battle, would diminish ? Let that once take place, 
and your naval fights will not, I prophecy, be so deci¬ 
sive as they would be by keeping the ardor up. And 
how trifling an expense the compensations would be 
in a national view ! The schooner that I am now de¬ 
spatching (a prize to the Hornet) will give to the pub¬ 
lic treasury upwards of one hundred thousand dollars. 


In the month of February, the letter-of-marque 
schooner Lottery , Capt. Southcomb, of Baltimore, 
outward bound, was taken in the Chesapeake, by nine 
large boats, heavily armed, and having 240 men, after 
a gallant fight of an hour and a half. The Lottery 
carried 6 guns and had about 35 men. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


221 


The following correspondence relates toCapt. South- 
comb. 

Sir, U. S. Frigate Constellation Feb . 16, 1813. 

At the solicitation of Capt. Southcomb’s friends, I 
sent a flag down to the squadron of the enemy in 
Lynnhaven roads, to bring him and his two wounded 
men up to Norfolk where their situation could be ren¬ 
dered more comfortable. 

Enclosed you will receive a copy of Capt. Byron’s 
note to Capt. Gould on the subject, and also copies 
of my letter to Capt. Byron and his answer. The 
cartel returned last evening with the body of Capt. 
Southcomb ; he was wounded in five places, gallant¬ 
ly defending his vessel against a number of armed 
boats. 

While such instances of bravery cannot but inspire 
the enemy with respect for the American character, I 
trust this instance, among many others of the human¬ 
ity and generosity of Capt. Byron, will not be forgot¬ 
ten by our countrymen. 

I have the honor to be, &,c. 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. CHARLES STEWART. 

Sir, February 11, 1813. 

I am glad in being able to get the little box of China 
for Mrs. Gould. Rest assured of every attention be¬ 
ing paid to the unfortunate Capt. John Southcomb 
and his two wounded men. Whatever vessel comes 
for them shall be treated with due respect, for which I 
have the senior captain’s authority. 

I am your humble servant, 

Capt. Gould. R. BYRON. 

U. S. Frigate Constellation , Norfolk harbour , 
Sir, February 13, 1813. 

Capt. Gould has handed me a note you addressed 
to him of the 11th inst. in which you state, 4 ‘by au¬ 
thority of the senior captain of his Britannic Maj¬ 
esty’s squadron in Lynnhaven bay,that Captain South- 


222 


NAVAL MONUMENT* 


comb, and his two wounded men, will be delivered to 
any vessel that may come for them.” 

I send a flag down to you for the purpose of receiv¬ 
ing those unfortunate men, and avail myself of this 
opportunity to thank you for your attention and hu¬ 
manity to the unfortunate. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 
CHARLES STEWART. 
Capt. Richard Byron, &c. 

Belvidera, Lynnhaven anchorage, 

Sir, February 13, 1813. 

I received your letter of this morning by Dr. Ray: 
it is with extreme concern I acquaint you, that the 
unfortunate and gallant Capt. Southcomb expired this 
morning. It will be satisfactory in some degree to 
his widow, to know, he had a truly religious sense 
of his situation, latterly delirious, without the excess 
of pain that might have been expected. Capt. Gould 
and his steward have charge of his effects. His body 
will be placed in the cartel so soon as the coffin can 
be prepared. The two wounded men at their own 
request went up in the former cartel, which I am sor¬ 
ry to hear got on shore. I am extremely flattered 
with the part of your letter, thanking me for atten¬ 
tion and humanity to the unfortunate, which gives me 
the most perfect assurance of the generous feelings 
of Capt. Charles Stewart. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Capt. C. Sewart, &c. R. BYRON. 


GENEROSITY. 

By the humanity of Capt. Smith the officers and 
crew of the Congress frigate, lying in Boston harbour, 
a subscription of one hundred and fifty dollars was 
raised and presented to Richard Dunn, who lost his 
leg in bravely fighting for “free trade and sailors, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


223 


rights,” on board the Constitution, in her engagement 
with the British frigate Guerriere. 

Heroism—A Card. 

R. Dunn takes this method publicly to acknowl¬ 
edge the receipt of the above subscription, and to 
present his hearty thanks to Capt. Smith, his officers 
and crew, for their kind remembrance of him. He 
would also assure them, that though he has lost one 
leg, he is ivilling to fight on the other for the lib¬ 
erty of his enslaved brethren, and the honor of his 
country. 

March, 1813. 


coiu. decatur’s squadron. 

On the 11th of June, Com. Decatur and his squad¬ 
ron attempted to go to sea from New York, but were 
prevented by two 74s and a frigate, and driven into 
the harbour of New London, where they were block¬ 
aded until the close of the war, except the Hornet, 
which made her escape in Nov. 1814. The Ameri¬ 
can squadron consisted of the United States ^Mac¬ 
edonian 38, and Hornet 16. 


REVENUE CUTTER SURVEYOR. 

The Baltimore Revenue Cutter Surveyor was 
captured by the barges of the JYarcisus frigate, in 
York river, on the night of the 12th of June. The 
enemy was discovered when about 150 yards distant. 
Capt. Travis could not bring his guns to bear, and 
therefore furnished each of his men with two muskets. 
They held their fire until the British were within pis¬ 
tol shot; but the enemy pushed on and finally carried 
the vessel by boarding, with 3 men killed and a num¬ 
ber wounded. Capt. Travis and his crew, 15 in num¬ 
ber, were all taken on board the Junon, and the next 



224 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


day the senior officer of the Narcissus returned the 
captain his sword, with the following complimentary 
letter. 

Sir, His Majesty’s Ship Narcissus , June 13,1813. 

Your gallant and desperate attempt to defend your 
vessel against more than double your number, on the 
night of the 12th inst. excited such admiration on the 
part of your opponents, as 1 have seldom witnessed, 
and induced me to return you the sword you had 
so nobly used, in testimony of mine. Our poor fel¬ 
lows have severely suffered, occasioned chiefly, if not 
solely, by the precaution you had taken to prevent 
surprise; in short, I am at a loss which to admire 
most, the previous engagement on board the Survey¬ 
or , or the determined manner by which her deck was 
disputed, inch by inch. 

I am, sir, with much respect, &c. 

Capt. S. Travis, JOHN CRERIE. 

U. S. Cutter Surveyor. 


ATTACK ON A BRITISH SQUADRON BY 
A FLOTILLA OF GUN-BOATS. 

LETTER FROM COM. JOHN CASSIN TO THE SECRETARY OF 
THE NAVY. 

Sir, Navy Yard , Gosport , June 21, 1813. 

On Saturday at 11 P. M. Capt. Tarbell moved 
with the flotilla under his command, consisting of 15 
gun-boats, in two divisions, Lieut. John M. Gardner 
1st division, and Lieut.Robert Henley the 2d—man¬ 
ned from the frigate, and 50 musketeers, ordered from 
Craney Island by Gen. Taylor, and proceeded down 
the river; but adverse winds and squalls prevented 
his approaching the enemy until Sunday morning at 4, 
when the flotilla commenced a heavy galling fire on a fri¬ 
gate,at about three quarters of a mile distance,lying well 
up the roads—two other frigates lying in sight. At 
half past 4, a breeze sprung up from E. N. E. which 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


225 


enabled the two frigates to get under way—one a razee 
or very heavy ship, and the other a frigate—and to 
come nearer into action. The boats, in consequence 
of their approach, hauled off, though keeping up a 
well directed fire on the razee and the other ship, 
which gave us several broadsides. The frigate first 
engaged, supposed to be the Junon , was certainly se¬ 
verely handled—had the calm continued one half hour, 
that frigate must have fallen into our hands, or been 
destroyed. She must have slipped her mooring so as 
to drop nearer the razee, who had all sail set, coming 
up to her with the other frigate. The action contin¬ 
ued one hour and a half with three ships. Shortly 
after the action, the razee got along side of the ship, 
and had her upon a deep careen in a little time, with 
a number of boats and stages round her. I am satis¬ 
fied considerable damage was done to her, for she 
was silenced some time, until the razee opened her 
fire, when she commenced again. Our loss is very 
trifling. Mr. Allison, master's mate, on board 139, 
was killed early in the action, by an 181b. ball, which 
passed through him and lodged in the mast. No. 
154 had a shot between wind and water. No. 67 
had her franklin shot away, and several of them had 
some of their sweeps and their stuncheons shot away 
—but two men slightly injured from the sweeps. On 
the flood tide several ships of the line and frigates 
came into the roads, and we did expect an attack last 
night. There are now in the roads 13 ships of the 
line and frigates, one brig and several tenders. 

I cannot say too much for the officers and crews on 
this occasion ; for every man appeared to go into ac¬ 
tion with so much cheerfulness, apparently to do their 
duty, resolved to conquer. I had a better opportu¬ 
nity of discovering their actions than any one else, 
being in my boat the whole of the action. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 
lion. W. Jones, &c. JOHN CASSIN. 

29 


226 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


LOSS OF THE ASP. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM MIDSHIPMAN M’CLINTOCK TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Kins ale, Virginia, July 13, 1813. 

I have to inform you of the unfortunate event 
which occurred here on the 14th ; the action between 
the British barges and the United States schooner Asp, 
commanded by Mr. Segourney. At 9 A. M. the 
Scorpion and Asp got under way from Yeocomico riv¬ 
er and stood out. At 10, discovered a number of 
sail, which proved to be the enemy; the Scorpion 
then made signal to act at discretion, and stood up the 
river; the schooner being a bad sailer and the wind 
ahead, we were not able to get out. Finding the en¬ 
emy approaching us, we thought it best to return. 
Immediately two of the brigs stood towards us, and 
anchored a short distance from the bar, where they 
manned their boats. Mr. Segourney thought it would 
be for our advantage to run further up the creek, 
which we did, but finding the enemy had left their 
vessels, we had not time to weigh anchor, therefore 
we were obliged to cut our cables. We were attack¬ 
ed by three boats, well manned and armed; we con¬ 
tinued a well directed fire on them, and after a short 
time they were compelled to retreat, and obtain a re¬ 
inforcement. About an hour after they retired, we 
were attacked by five boats; we continued doing the 
same as before, but having so few men, we were un¬ 
able to repel the enemy. When they boarded us, 
they refused giving us any quarter. There were up¬ 
wards of 50 men on our decks, which compelled us 
to leave the vessel, as the enemy had possession. 
They put her on fire and retreated. A short time 
after they left her, we went on board, and with much 
difficulty extinguished the flames. But it is with 
deep regret that I inform you of the death of Mr. 
Segourney, who fought most gallantly in defence of 
the vessel; and the utmost exertion was used by ev- 


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227 


ery man on board. Our crew consisted only of 21. 
There are ten killed, wounded and missing. 

Your obedient servant, 

Hon.W. Jones, H. M. M’CLINTOCK, 
Sec’y of navy. Midshipman in the U. S. navy. 


VIPER. 

The United States brig Viper , 14 guns, comman¬ 
ded by Lieut. Henley, was captured by the British 
frigate JVarcissus. The customary court of inquiry 
was held in June on the conduct of Lieut. Henley 
He was honorably acquitted, as having done all in 
his power to escape' a superior force. The court 
gave the same opinion respecting the conduct of Cap. 
Reed, late commander of the Vixen —See page 217. 

The Viper was captured Jan. 1813. 


REPULSE OF THE BRITISH AT CRANEY ISLAND. 

Extract of a letter from Com. Cassin to the SecWy 
of the navy. 

Sir, Navy Yard,Gosport , June 23, 1813. 

I have the honor to inform you, that on the 20th the 
enemy got under way, in all 13 sail, and dropped up to 
the mouth of James' river, one ship bearing a flag at 
mizen. At 5, P. M. they were discovered making 
great preparations with troops for landing, having a 
number of boats for the purpose. Finding Craney 
island rather weakly manned, Capt. Tarbell directed 
Lieuts. Neal, Shubrick, and Sanders, with 100 sea¬ 
men, on shore, at 11, P. M. to a small battery on the 
N. W. side of the Island. 

Tuesday 22d, at dawn, the enemy were discovered 
landing round the point of Nansemond river; at 8 
A. M. the barges attempted to land in front, of the 




228 


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island, out of reach of the shot from the gun-boats, 
when Lieuts. Neal, Shubrick, and Sanders with the 
sailors, and Lieut. Breckenridge with the marines 
of the Constellation , 150 in number, opened the fire 
which was so well directed, that the enemy were glad 
to get off, after sinking three of their largest boats. 
One of them called the Centepede. Admiral War¬ 
ren's boat, 50 feet in length, carried 75 men, the great¬ 
er part of whom were lqst by her sinking. Twenty 
soldiers and sailors were saved, and the boat hauled 
up. 

The officers of the Constellation fired their 18 poun¬ 
der more like riflemen than artillerists. I never saw 
such shooting, and seriously believe they saved the isl¬ 
and. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. JOHN CASSIN. 

The number of the enemy engaged in the attack 
was nearly 3000. 

On the 25th of June the British, about 2500, at¬ 
tacked and took possession of the town of Hampton, 
after a brave resistance, by 400 Americans, under the 
command of Maj. Crutchfield. The atrocities of the 
enemy at this place are well known. 


SCHOONER EAGLE. 

Neiv York , June 27, 1813. 

The schooner Eagle , which sailed from this port on 
the 15th, was taken by the enemy's barges at New 
London on the 25tli. Owing to adverse winds the 
enemy were unable to tow the schooner along side of 
the squadron. While the enemy were attempting to 
take out the cargo, an explosion took place, which 
killed a considerable number of the enemy. One 
barge first approached to capture the Eagle , but she 
was beat off. Three others came, and the schooner 
was abandoned by the crew. The cask, containing 



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229 


the powder had a lock, with which was connected a 
string, that was fastened to some of the articles of 
spoil the enemy moved. The explosion took place by 
their means, and immediately the schooner and barges 
disappeared! 

A fishing vessel arrived at Salem with the following 
endorsement on her papers. 

“His Majesty's Ship La Houge , at sea, 

July 8, 1812. 

” I have warned the fishing boat Sally , of Barnsta¬ 
ble,immediately to proceed to her own coast, in conse¬ 
quence of the depredations committed by the Young 
Teazer, and other American privateers, on the British 
and coasting vessels belonging to Nova Scotia; but 
more particularly from the inhuman and savage pro¬ 
ceedings of causing the American schooner Eagle to 
be blown up after she had been taken possession of by 
His Majesty's ship Ramilies —an actnot to be justified 
on the most barbarous principles of warfare.—I have 
directed His Britannic Majesty's cruisers on the coast 
to destroy every description of American vessels they 
may fall in with, flags of truce only excepted. Given 
under my hand. 

“ THOMAS B. CAPEL, Capt.” 


EAGLE. 

LETTER FROM COM. LEWIS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE 
NAVY. 

Sir, Off Sandy Hook July 6, 1813. 

I have the pleasure to inform you of the capture of 
the British sloop tender Eagle , which for some time 
had been employed, by Com. Beresford, for the pur¬ 
pose of burning the coasters, &c. Her force was two 
officers and 11 men, with a 321b. brass howitzer. This 
service was performed in the most gallant and officer 
like manner by Sailing Master Percival, who with vol¬ 
unteers from the flotilla, which I have the honor to 


2.30 


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command, jumped on board a fishing smack, ran along 
side the enemy ; and carried him by a coup de main. 
I am sorry to add,that in this little affair the enemy lost 
the commanding officer, one midshipman mortally 
wounded, and two seamen badly. I am happy to say, 
we suffered no injury which is to be attributed 
to the superior management of Sailing Master Per- 
cival, and the coolness with which his men fired ; for 
which they all deserve well of their country. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. William Jones, &c. J. LEWIS. 

P. S. The capture was on Sunday the 4th inst. 

FURTHER PARTICULARS. 

The fishing smack, named the Yankee , was borrowed 
of some fishermen at Fly Market, in the city of New 
York, and a calf, a sheep, and a goose purchased, and 
secured on deck. Between 30 and 40 men, well armed 
with muskets, were secreted in the cabin and fore- 
peake of the smack. Thus prepared, she stood out to 
sea, as if going on a fishing trip to the banks, three 
men only being on deck, dressed in fishemen’s appa¬ 
rel, with buff* caps on. The Eagle, on perceiving 
the smack, immediately gave chase, and after coming 
up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, 
ordered her to go down to the commodore, then about 
five miles distant. The helsman answered, aye, aye, 
Sir, and apparantly put up the helm for the purpose, 
which brought him along side of the Eagle , not more 
than three yards distant. The watch-word Lawrence 
was then given, when the armed men rushed on deck 
from their hiding places, and poured into her a volley 
of musketry, which struck the crew with dismay, and 
drove them all down so precipitately into the hold of 
the vessel, that they had not time to strike their colors. 
The Eagle , with the prisoners, was carried to the city 
and landed at Whitehall,amidst the shouts and plaudits 
of thousands of spectators, assembled on the battery, 
celebrating the 4th of July. 

Henry Morris, commander of th e Eagle, was buried 


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231 


at Sandy Hook with military honors, and in the most 
respectful manner. Mr. Price who died soon after, 
was buried in Trinity Church yard, with every testi¬ 
mony of regard. 


TORPEDO. 

Mr. E. Mix of the navy, a gentleman of ingenuity 
and enterprise, constructed a torpedo for the purpose 
of destroying some of the enemy's shipping in Lynn- 
haven bay. The British 74 gun ship Plantagenet , 
which for some months had been lying abreast of Cape 
Henry light house, appeared to Mr. Mix, as the most 
favorable object on which to try his experiment. Ac¬ 
cordingly, on the night of the 18th, and the four fol¬ 
lowing, accompanied by Capt. Bowman of Salem 
and Midshipman M’Go wan, of the U. S. navy, he 
made the attempt, which proved fruitless, in conse¬ 
quence of being discovered by the enemy, who, sus¬ 
pecting some mischief, changed her position every 
night. On the night of the 24th however, Mr. Mix 
succeeded in finding her out, and having taken his po¬ 
sition 100 yards distance, in a direction with her lar¬ 
board bow, he dropped the fatal machine into the wa¬ 
ter just as the centinel was crying all's well. It was 
swept along with the tide, and very nearly effected its 
purpose. It exploded a few seconds too soon, 

The scene was awfully sublime. It was like the 
concussion of an earthquake, attended with a sop' 1 
louder and more terrific than the heaviest peal of thui 
der. A pyramid of water, 50 feet in circumference 
was thrown up 40 or 50 feet ; its appearance was a vi\ 
id red, tinged at the sides with beautiful purple. On 
ascending to its greatest height it burst at the top with 
a tremendous explosion, and fell in torrents on the deck 
of the ship, which rolled into the chasm and nearly up¬ 
set. The light, occasioned by the explosion, though 
fleeting, enabled Mr. Mix and his companions to dis- 



232 


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cover, that the fore-channel of the ship was blown off, 
and a boat, which lay along side with several men in 
her was thrown up in the convulsion. 


EXPLOIT AT GARDNERS ISLAND. 

On the evening of the 28th of July, two boats from 
the Macedonian and two from the United States t un¬ 
der Lieut. Gallager, made an excursion into the sound. 
In the night a small boat, under the direction of Mid¬ 
shipman Ten Eyke, being separated by a strong wind 
and tide from the others, landed on Gardner’s Island. 
In the morning, finding themselves under the guns of 
the Ramilies, the boat was hauled ashore. Soon after 
a boat came ashore from the Ramilies and the officers 
went to a dwelling house. Midshipman Ten Eyke 
seized the favorable moment, made prisoners of those 
who were left with the English boat, and then with two 
men proceeded to the house, where he took two lieu¬ 
tenants, making in all, prisoners of two lieutenants 
one midshipman, one master’s mate, and five seamen. 
Finding they were discovered by the Ramilies , the 
captives were parolled, and Mr. Ten Eyke and crew 
made their escape to Long Island. The succeeding 
night the other boat took them off. 


DELAWARE FLOTILLA.—LOSS OF GUN-BOAT NO. 121. 
Extract of a letter from Lieut. Angus, commanding 
the U. S. Delaware flotilla, to the Secr’y of the 
navy. 

Sir, Cape May, July 29, 1813. 

Lying off Dennes’creek this morning, I discovered, 
that an enemy’s sloop of war had chased a small ves¬ 
sel, and taken her near the overfalls. I immediately 
got under way, and stood down the bay. The sloop 
ol war stood so near the overfalls, that she grounded 
slightly on the outer ridge of Crow’s shoals. I thought 
proper to endeavor to bring him to action. I sue- 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 


233 


ceeded, and got within three quarters of a mile, and 
anchored the boats (consisting of 8 gun-boats and two 
black ships) in a line ahead. A heavy frigate had by 
this time anchored about half a mile further out. Af¬ 
ter a cannonade of 1 hour and 45 minutes, in which 
the ships kept up a constant and heavy fire, heaving 
their shot from a half to three quarters of a mile over 
us, they doing us but little damage ; the sloop of war 
and frigate, finding our shot to tell on their hulls, 
manned their boats, ten in number, (2 launches, the 
rest large barges and cutters,) with from 30 to 40 men 
in each, and despatched them after gun-boat No. 121, 
Sailing Master Shed, which had unfortunately fell a 
mile and a half out of the line, although it had been 
my positive and express orders to anchor at half cable 
length apart, and not further. From the strong ebb 
tide they succeeded in capturing her, after a gallant 
resistance,) for three times did No. 121 discharge her 
long gun, apparently full of canister, among the whole 
line of boats, when at a very short distance, which 
must have done execution, and not till after she was 
boarded, did the colors come down, before any assis¬ 
tance could be given her. However, we got near 
enough to destroy 3 or 4 of their boats, and must 
have killed a vast number of men. It being a calm, 
they succeeded in getting her away by sending all 
their boats ahead and towing her ; but they have paid 
dear for their temerity. They must at least have had 
one third of their men killed and wounded. I am 
happy to say, that not a man was wounded in any of 
our boats, except the one captured, whose fate I have 
not yet learnt. I feel much indebted to Lieut. Mitch- 
el, and officers commanding gun-boats, for their spir¬ 
ited conduct in carrying into execution my orders ; 
and if I may judge from the gallant resistance, made 
by Sailing Master Shed, in engaging when surrounded 
by the boats of the enemy, that every officer and man 
of the flotilla will do his duty in all situations. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. W. Jones, <Slc. SAMUEL ANGUS. 

30 


234 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


From Lieut. Shed’s official letter it appears, that 7 
of our men were wounded, 5 slightly. The loss of 
the enemv was 7 killed and 12 wounded. 


com. rodger’s cruise. 

On the 26th of September, the U. S. frigate Pres¬ 
ident, Com. Rodgers, arrived in the harbour of New¬ 
port, after a cruise of more than five months. This 
ship left Boston on the 30th of April, in company with 
the U. S. frigate Congress from which she separated 
on the 30th of the same month. She pursued her 
course to the Grand Bank, the Azores, Shetland isles, 
and to North Bergen, where she put in for water. 
She left this place on the 2d of July, shaped her course 
towards the Orkney Islands, and from thence to the 
north seas. July 19th off North cape, White sea, 
was chased 86 hours by 2 line-of-battle ships, took a 
circuit round Ireland, got into the latitude of Cape 
Clear, proceeded to the Grand Banks, and from thence 
to the United States. 

The following is the concluding part of the commo¬ 
dore* s official account. 

“During my cruise, although I have not had it in 
my power to add any additional lustre to the character 
of our little navy, I have nevertheless rendered essen¬ 
tial service to my country, I hope, by harassing the 
enemy’s commerce, and employing to his disadvan¬ 
tage more than a dozen times the force of a single 
frigate. 

“ My officers and crew have experienced great pri¬ 
vations since I left the United States, from being near¬ 
ly five months at sea, and living the last three months 
of that time upon a scanty allowance of the roughest 
fare ; and it is with peculiar pleasure that I acquaint 
you, that they are all in better health than might be 
expected, although you may well suppose that their 



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235 


scanty allowance has not been of any advantage to their 
strength or appearance. 

“ The High Flyer was commanded by Lieut. 
Hutchinson, second of the St. Domingo. She is a re¬ 
markably fine vessel of her class, sails very fast, and 
would make an excellent light cruiser, provided the 
government have occasion for a vessel of her descrip¬ 
tion. 

“ Just at the moment of closing my letter, a news¬ 
paper has been handed me, containing Capt. Broke’s 
challenge to my late gallant friend, Capt. Lawrence, 
in which he mentions, with considerable emphasis, the 
pains he had taken to meet the President and Con¬ 
gress, , with the Shannon and Tenedos. 

“ It is unnecessary at present to take further notice 
of Capt. Brokes observations, than to say, if that was 
his dispostion, his conduct was so glaringly opposite, 
as to authorize a very contrary belief. Relative to 
Capt. Broke,I have only further to say, that I hope he 
has not been so severely wounded as to make it a suf¬ 
ficient reason to prevent his reasumming the command 
of the Shannon at a future day.” 

Here follow the names of 11 merchantmen, and the 
High Flyer schooner of 5 guns, captured during his 
cruise. 

The capture of the schooner High Flyer , of 5 guns, 
by Com Rodgers, was very extreordinary. On ma¬ 
king the schooner to the southward of Nantucket 
Shoals, she hoisted the private British signal, which 
was answered by Com. Rodgers, and fortunately pro¬ 
ved the private British signal of that day. Upon se- 
ing this, the High Flyer came immediately to him. 
Com. Rodgers ordered one of his officers to dress in 
a British uniform, and manned out a boat and boarded 
him. The lieutenant of the schooner did not wait to 
be boarded, but manned his own boat and boarded the 
President , supposing her to be a British frigate. 
The British Lieut, was on board for some time, before 
he discovered his mistake. The officer, that boarded 
the schooner from the President , asked the officer left 


236 


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in charge of the schooner for his private signals and 
instructions, which were immediately handed to him ; 
by this stratagem, Com. Rodgers has obtained pos¬ 
session of the British private signals, and Ad. War¬ 
ren's instructions. On examining Ad. Warrens, in¬ 
structions, Com. Rodgers discovered the number of 
British squadrons, stationed on the American coast, 
their force, and relative position—with pointed instruc¬ 
tions to all of them, if possible to capture the Pres¬ 
ident. 

CHALLANGE. 

Copy of a letter from Lieut. Claxton to his father: 

Macedonian , Neiv London , Jan. 19, 1814. 
Dear father, 

For the two last days we have been all anxiety ; an 
American captain returned on parole from the Rami - 
lies 74, a few days since, and communicated to com. 
Decatur, a consultation he had with Capt. Hardy, in 
which the letter said, “that now that two frigates 
were ofi*, of equal force to the United States and 
Macedonian , that he should have no objection to a 
meeting taking place, but that he could not allow the 
challange to come from the English commanders.” 
The hint was embraced in a moment, and Capt. Bid¬ 
dle despatched with a challange from our commanders. 
In the mean time every preparation was made, on our 
side, for an immediate engagement, which we all sup¬ 
pose, no objection could be made to : the crews of 
both ships were called together, and addressed by 
their commanders, who made known to them the sub¬ 
stance of the business then on foot; they were an¬ 
swered by three hearty cheers. Capt. Jones conclu¬ 
ded his short and pertinent address in the following 
words, spoken with great modesty : “ My lads, our 
cruise will be short, and, I trust a very profitable 
one.” Capt Biddle went on board the 74; a signal 
was immediately made for the two commanders of the 
English frigates, and they went on board. Capt. 
Hardy addressed them, “ gentlemen, here are two 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


237 


letters for you ; it rests altogether with you to decide 
on the matter.” Stackpole, of the Statira , answered 
with the greatest affection, “ pon honor, sir, it is the 
most acceptable letter I ever received.” The final an¬ 
swer was to be given yesterday. Capt Biddle retur¬ 
ned, and related the circumstance as I have mention¬ 
ed. For myself, I thought from the manner of 
Stackpole, that he would he first to flinch. I am 
not able to say that he did ; it is enough, that 
the captain of the Borer (sloop of war,) came in 
yesterday, and made known that they had declined 
meeting us. This circumstance has made a vast 
deal of conversation here, much to the credit of our 
commanders—it will probably be distorted into a hun¬ 
dred different shapes before it is done with; I have 
therefore given you a correct though brief account of 
it. The Endymion mounts the same weight of metal 
with the United States , and three or four guns more, 
and the Statira is superior to us by one or two guns. 
The disappointment, is very great with us, for every 
soul calculated on taking her with ease. You see we 
must trust altogether to our heals. 

Yours affectionately, 

A. CLAXTON. 


GALLANT DEFENCE OF THE ALLIGATOR. 

The following is Mr. Bassett 9 s report. 

U. S. Schooner Alligator , Wappo, Jan. 31, 1814. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you, that the U. S. 
schooner Alligator , under my command, was attacked 
on the evening of the 29th inst. then lying at anchor 
in Stono river and abreast of Coles' Island, by six 
boats from the enemy's squadron, otf the mouth of the 
river, and succeeded in beating them off, after a warm 
action of 30 mintues. I have to regret on this occa¬ 
sion the loss of 2 men killed and 2 wounded; one of 
the latter, the pilot Mr. Robert Hatch severely. This 



238 


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brave man fell at the helm, exorting those around 
him to take good aim at the enemy. I hope his 
conduct will entitle him to your notice. It is impos¬ 
sible to ascertain what loss the enemy sustained ; but 
from suddenly ceasing their fire from the two large 
launches, and the other boats joining them immediate¬ 
ly, I am induced to believe they suffered severely, as 
the schooner grounded, and they did not renew the ac¬ 
tion. The sails and rigging of the schooner are much 
cut, but no damage sustained in the hull. I can¬ 
not conclude without rendering my thanks to the gal¬ 
lant officers and men you did me the honor to place 
under my command for their meritorious conduct, 
which alone prevented the schooner from falling into 
the hands of an enemy of more then treble our num¬ 
ber. 

J. H. Dent, Esq. R. BASSETT. 

Capt. Dent in communicating this report says, 
great credit is due to Sailing Master Bassett, his 
officers and crew, for defeating a force so great¬ 
ly superior in numbers, as there could not have been 
less than 140 men opposed to 40 


LOSS OF THE FERRET. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

Sir, Folly-Island, Feb. 3, 1814. 

I am sorry to acquaint you of the entire loss of the 
U. S. schooner Ferret. This unfortunate circum¬ 
stance occurred last evening, on the North Breakers 
of Stony inlet. 

I am happy to say, none of her officers or men 
were lost or injured. They have lost every thing be¬ 
longing to them,and would suffer much, were it not 
for the kindness of Mr. Darley and Mr. Heoland, 
who have rendered many services. 

I am making preparations to proceed to the wreck 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


239 


with a vessel, to save what articles of rigging and 
sails I can get at. I am in hopes to get some of her 
guns, which I threw into the hold. Finding the vessel 
half full of water, I apprehended her drifting out in 
deep water, should she be lightened, would render our 
situation more hazardous. 

Mr. Brailsford, whom I have sent on with a pro¬ 
portion of my crew, will inform you more particular¬ 
ly of the circumstance which the present haste I am 
in will not allow me to do, as fully as I could wish. 

I have the honor to be, 

most respectfully your obe’t serv’t, 

LAWRANCE KEARNEY. 

Lieut. Com. U. States schooner Ferret. 
Com. J. H. Dent, Com' g JYav at Officer, Charleston. 

CRUISE OF THE PRESIDENT. 

The United States frigate President , Com. Rodgers 
arrived at Sandy Hook, on the 18th of February 1814, 
nfter a cruise of 75 days. She passed most of the 
West-India islands ; lay off Charlestown 48 hours, 
and was chased by a 74, two frigates, and two sloops 
of war. During the cruise she captured three Eng¬ 
lish merchantmen, which were sunk, after taking out 
their cargoes. She had on board 30 prisoners. 
A private letter from an officer on board the Presi¬ 
dent states, 

“ Situations in which we have been placed this 
cruise, will, I think, add lustre to the well established 
character of Com. Rodgers. 

“ After passing the light, saw several sail, one large 
sail to the windward ; backed our main top-sail and 
cleared ship for action. The strange sail came down 
within gun-shot—hauled her wind on the larboard 
tack. We continued with our main top-sail to the 
mast three hours, and seeing no probability of the 74 
gun ship's bearing down to engage the President , 
gave her a shot to windward and hoisted our colors 
—when she bore for us reluctantly—when within 
half gun shot, backed his main top-sail. At this mo- 


240 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


ment, all hands were called to muster aft; and the 
commodore said a few, but impressive words, though 
it Was unnecessary ; for what other stimulent could 
true Americans want, than fighting gloriously in sight 
of their native shore, where hundreds w T ere assembled 
to witness the engagement ? Wore ship to engage, 
but at this moment the cutter being discovered com¬ 
ing off, backed again to take in the pilot; and the 
British 74 (strange as it must appear) making sail to 
the southward and eastward—orders were given to 
haul aboard the fore and main tacks, to run in ; there 
being then in sight from our deck, a frigate and gun- 
bri g- 

“ The commander of the 74 had it in his pow T er for 
five hours to bring us at any moment to an engage¬ 
ment ; our main top-sail to the mast during that time.” 

It was afterwards ascertained, that the ship which 
declined battle with the President was the Plantage- 
net 74, Capt. Lloyd for avoiding an engagement was, 
that his crew were in a state of mutiny. 


RATTLESNAKE AND ENTERPRIZE. 

The U. S. brigs, Rattlesnake , Lieut. Creighton, 
wad Enter prize, Lieut. Renshaw, arrived at Wilming¬ 
ton N. C. the former on the 9th, and the latter on the 
7th of March, from a cruise. Three times they were 
chased by a superior force of the enemy. On the 
25th of February the Enterprize was chased 70 
hours, and escaped by throwing over her guns, cut¬ 
ting away her anchors, and starting her water. 


DEATH OF MIDSHIPMAN HALL. 

Extract of a letter from Capt. C. Gorden to the Sec’ry 
of the navy. 

Constellation , off Craney Island , March 10, 1814. 
“X have to report to you the loss of one of my 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 


241 


midshipmen, Mr. William C. Hall. He was quite 
young, and the smallest on board ; but a youth of 
great promise, who had so much interrested himself 
with the offices and crew, that his loss has spread a 
momentary gloom over the ship. He fell from the 
mizzen top-mast head, to the quarter deck, yesterday 
evening, while we were in the act of sending down 
top-gallant yards, and expired instantly. 

“He had been much accustomed to going aloft, 
and had gone up to the mast-head, on that occasion, 
he said to the captain of the top, to observe how 
they unrigged the yard; having hold of the top-gallant 
shroud, the yard must have struck him in canting. He 
will be buried in the church yard at Northfolk this 
day at noon, with the ceremonies due to his grade. 
He is from Queen Ann county, eastern shore of Ma¬ 
ryland ; no parents and only a sister living. This 
family is known to Governor Wright, the representa¬ 
tive in congress from that district. 


CONSTITUTION. 

On the 3d of April, U. S. frigate Constitution , 
Capt. Stewart arrived at Marblehead, having been 
chased in by the British frigates Junion and Tenedos , 
of 38 guns each, which had been in chase of her from 
day light. The frigates, or one of them it is said got 
within 2 or 3 miles of the Constitution , at one time, 
and to effect her escape she was obliged to throw over¬ 
board her provisions, &c. and every thing moveable, 
and started all her water. Some prize goods were 
likewise thrown over. 

She immediately anchored above Fort bewail, in a 
posture of defence, her exposed situation rendering her 
liable to an attack, should she remain there long. In 
order to the protection of the frigate and the town, a 
number of heavy cannon were sent over from Salem, 
and Maj. Gen. Hovey issued an order for the Marble- 



24,2 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


head battalion of artillery to hold itself in readiness 
to act. Com. Bainbridge, to whom an express had 
been sent,dispatched assistance from the navy yard in 
Charleston, and the company of New England Guards 
began their March from Boston, to afford such aid as 
might be required of them. But towards evening the 
Constitution weighed anchor and came round into this 
harbour, where she is considered in a state of securi¬ 
ty. The Constitution's cruise has been about three 
months. In the Mona passage, she chased a frigate, 
without being able to come up with her. Her crew is 
in fine condition, and her safe return is hailed with joy. 

[Salem Gaz.] 


ATTACK ON VESSELS AT PETIPAGUE. 

At 4 o’clock in the morning of the 8th of April, six 
British barges, containing 300 men, entered the port 
of Petipague, and burnt about twenty sail of vessels. 
Many of them were ships worth from fifteen to twenty 
thousand dollars each. They did their business effec¬ 
tually, for the vessels were all burnt to the water’s 
edge. They gave out word to the inhabitants, that 
if they made the least resistance, they would fire the 
town. 

The property destroyed was owned in New York, 
Middletown, Hartford and Petipague. A fine cutter 
brig they attempted to get out, but failed, and she 
shared the fate of the others. Siie was from 3 to 400 
tons, and was worth about 18,000 dollars. The 
British force is stated, by gentleman from near the 
scene of action, to have been about 150, which is 
probably as great a number as six boats could carry. 
It is added, that the enemy remained on shore all day, 
unmolested, and went off about 8 in the evening. 
They came from the frigate and a gun-brig lying off 
Saybrook. 

The enemy took possession of a store, where they 
remained all day, part of the time amusing them- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


243 


selves, and at night about 1000 men had been collec¬ 
ted, who fortified both sides of the river, just above 
the ferry, intending to surprize the enemy as they 
returned, but the British, having waited until it was 
dark, passed unobserved, by muffling their oars, or 
laying concealed in their boats, and letting them float 
down with the tide. A number of small vessels, 
which were in the rear of the enemy, were not mo¬ 
lested. 


LOSS OF THE FROLIC. 

On the 21th of April, the United States sloop of 
war Frolic , J. Bainbridge commander, was captured 
by the Orpheus frigate, without firing a gun, her ar¬ 
mament having been thrown overboard in the chase. 
By this event, we have lost a fine vessel and a gallant 
crew, but we have lost no honor, 


CRUISE OF THE ADAMS. 

The U. S. ship Mams , Capt. Charles Morris, sai¬ 
led from the Chesapeake in January 1813—passed to 
the southward of Bermuda, crossed the Atlantic, cap¬ 
tured a number of prizes and arrived home in safety, 
in the month of April. The official account of Capt. 
Morris concludes thus : 

“ After a long chase on the 25th of March, the last 
four hours of which was in thick weather, we captured 
the English India ship Woodbridge , with a cargo 
of rice and dye wood, but had barely taken posession 
of her, when the weather cleared up and we discover¬ 
ed a fleet of 25 sail immediately to the windward of 
us, and two ships of war standing for us. We were 
compelled to abandon the prize with precipitation, and 
attend to our own safety/ ’ 




244 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


NAVAL ARCHITECTURAL ENTERPRIZE. 

Capt. Nathaniel M. Perley, late commander of the 
ship Volant , which was captured on her passage from 
Bayonne to Boston and carried into Halifax, has con¬ 
structed and nearly completed, within eight weeks, a 
schooner, of about 110 tons, which for beauty, 
strength and utility, is not excelled in the world. She 
was built near Rowley Green, one mile and a half 
from the water. No object of this nature and magni- 
nitude has ever created more speculation of opinion, 
than the building of this vessel; and it was generally 
conceived that she could never be transported to her 
destined element; but to the surprize of many, and 
joy of all, on the 2d day of May, she was started 
from her building place, at about 10 o’clock, A. M. 
and before 5 P. M. was landed at the water’s edge. 
The whole apparatus for the operation was prepared 
under Capt. Perley’s immediate direction. She was 
borne by a set of trucks, of four wheels each, about 2 
feet in hight, and 16 inches broad. These were drawn 
by 100 yokes of oxen, in four strings, two of which 
were to the forward trucks, and two attached to a ca¬ 
ble, prepared for the purpose. The subject is render¬ 
ed more interresting by the fact, that neither man, 
beast, nor property received any essential injury. The 
weight is estimated at from 100 to 120 tons. Improve¬ 
ments may probably be made on this invention, which 
will prove highly useful to the mechanic, merchant, 
and man of enterprize. 

On the 13 and 25 of May the flotilla of gun boats, 
under the command of Com. Lewis, attacked a part 
of the British blockading squadron near New London, 
and opened a passage for 40 or 50 sail of coasters. 
This flotilla has been of essential service on the coast 
rescuing many vessels from the grasp of the English 
with the most determined courage. It is stated in a 
way that seems entitled to credit, that 17 were killed 
and 47 wounded on board the Maidstone frigate, in 
one of the engagements with the gun-boats. The 
vessel was much injured. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


245 


The U. S. schooner Nonsuch, Lieut Kearney, 
stationed off Charlestown S. C. in June narrowly es¬ 
caped from capture by a frigate. During the chase 
she threw overboard 11 of her guns. 


On the 26th of June a combined attack of artillery, 
marine corps, and flotilla, under Com. Barney, was 
made on two of the enemy’s frigates near Pawtuxent. 
An officer on board the flotilla thus writes : 

“We moved down with the flotilla, and joined in the 
chorus with the artillery. Our fire was terrible. At 
6 o’clock they began to move, and made sail down the 
river, leaving us master of the field. Thus we have 
again beat them and their rockets, which they did not 
spare. First, we beat off a few boats, then they in¬ 
creased the number, then they added schooners, and 
now, behold the two frigates! all have shared the 
same fate. We next expect ships of the line. No 
matter, we will do our duty. Our loss was 6 killed 
and 4 wounded. Young Asqueth (midshipman,) who 
had just joined us, was killed.” 


ALLIGATOR. 

On the 1st of July theU. S. schooner Alligator was 
upset by a violent tornado, and sunk in 4 fathoms wa¬ 
ter. She was at anchor in Port Royal sound when 
the blast struck her : 23 were drowned. Among them 
were 2 promising young officers, Midshipmen Brails- 
ford and Rogerson. The Alligator was afterwards 
got up, by the assistance of two vessels. 



246 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


LOSS OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 

Extract of a letter from Joseph Wilson, jun. purser 
of the late U. S. brig Rattlesnake to the Sec’y of 
the navy. 

Sir, Boston, July 29, 1814. 

I have the honor of making known to you the fol¬ 
lowing circumstances relative to the cruise and cap¬ 
ture of the late U. S. brig Rattlesnake , by order of 
James Renshaw Esq. commander. May 31, lat. 40° 
N. long. 33° W. fell in with a frigate and very narrow¬ 
ly escaped, by throwing over all the guns, except two 
long 9s. June 9th, lat. 47° N. long. 8° W. received in¬ 
formation by a Russian brig from England of the Rev¬ 
olution in France, and destroyed the English brig John, 
laden with English goods. 

June 22, lat. 42° N. long. 33, W. destroyed the En¬ 
glish brig Crown Prince, laden with fish. July 11th 
at day-light, wind south, discovered a frigate, on the 
weather, and Cape Sable on the lee bow ; the frigate 
proved to be the Leander , to which ship the Rattle¬ 
snake was surrendered at 8 A. M. after every exertion 
had been made to escape. 

The Rattlesnake arrived in Halifax on the 13th, and 
the Leander on the 14th inst. 

I have the honor to be &,c. 

JOSEPH WILSON jun. 


Be t we e n the 16th and 20th of August, a large force 
of the enemy, in all about 60 sail, several of them ships 
of the line, arrived in the bay of Chesapeake. More 
than 50 of them entered the Patuxent, and landed their 
troops and marines about Benedict (the head of frigate 
navigation,) about 40 miles S. E. of Washington.— 
Others landed their troops at Port Tobacco, on the 
Potomac. Their line stretched across the country be¬ 
tween the two rivers. On the 22d Com. Barney’s flo¬ 
tilla, lying near Point Pleasant, at the head of the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


247 


sloop navigation of the Patuxent, consisting of 1 cut¬ 
ter, 1 gun-boat, and 13 barges, was blown up, and the 
men drawn off by the gallant commodore for the pro¬ 
tection of the city of Washington. On the same day, 
the British flankers approached near the “ Wood 
yard,” 12 miles from the city, where the main body of 
the American forces under Brig. Gen. Winder were 
posted. The line of battle was formed, and our ad¬ 
vance guard offered to engage, but the enemy filed off 
to the left without noticing them. On the evening of 
the 23d, Gen. Winder’s head quarters were at the 
“ Battalion Fields,” near Bladensburg, 8 miles from 
the city. The enemy continued their march towards 
the bridge, which they passed under a heavy fire from 
our artillery and riflemen. When the enemy ap¬ 
proached the city on the 24th, they met with a most 
obstinate resistance. It was here that they came 
within reach of Barney and his gallant spirits, who 
had just gained the ground from a station near the na¬ 
vy yard, and from his three 18 pounders he opened an 
active, and most destructive fire. The fire continued 
till the enemy had nearly reached the muzzle of the 
guns. Greater exertions, or more determined cour¬ 
age could not have been exhibited. But resistance 
was vain. Under Com. Baney were about 400. The 
force of the enemy amounted to between 5 and 6000. 
The veteran commodore, who has yet all the fire and 
spirit that distinguished him when he captured the 
General Monk , in the early part of the revolutionary 
war, fell badly wounded, and many of his brave follow¬ 
ers were killed ; yet he encouraged his men, and cau¬ 
tioned them not to waste their powder until the last 
moment that it appeared possible for them to escape, 
when he ordered a retreat. He was taken prisoner, 
with some of his men, and was treated in the handsom¬ 
est manner by the enemy. On the evening of the 24th, 
the British took possession of the capital. The pub¬ 
lic property destroyed was the capital ; the president’s 
house; the War office; the treasury office; the fort 
and magazine at Greenleafis point; the public stores, 


248 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


&c. at the marine barracks. The navy yard was set 
on fire by order of the secretary of the navy. A new 
frigate on the stocks, nearly ready to be launched, ra¬ 
ting 44 guns, which was to be called the Essex , and 
to be commanded by Capt. Porter, and a new sloop 
of war, the Argus, were destroyed. The gunsforthe 
Independance 74, then rigging in Boston, were saved. 

Alexandria capitulated on the 28th. A series of 
desperately daring exertions were made by Rodgers, 
Porter, and Perry with the men of the two former and 
some of the Virginia militia, to prevent the escape of 
the enemy’s frigates from Alexandria, with their boo¬ 
ty. All that men could do with the means they had, 
by fire ships, barges, and hastily erected batteries, was 
done; but the enemy got off, taking with him 14 of 
our vessels, laden with from 15 to 18000 barrels of 
flour, 800 hogsheads tobacco, 150 bales cotton, and a 
small quantity of sugar. Twelve men were killed, and 
several wounded at Porter’s battery ; at Perry’s only 
one was wounded, at Rodgers’ none were injured.— 
As the capture of Washington, the capitulation of Al¬ 
exandria, and the repulse of the British from Balti¬ 
more belong to the military history of the war, they 
are here omitted, except those particulars, which are 
connected with the honourable deeds of our navy offi¬ 
cers and sailors. 


LOSS OF THE ADAMS. 

On the 1st of September, a large British force, 
about 40 sail of vessels with troops, under the com¬ 
mand of Admiral Criffith, and Sir John Sherbrooke, 
Governor of Nova Scotia, entered the Penobscot.— 
The small garrison in the fort at Castine discharged 
their guns and retired. The enemy then took posses¬ 
sion without opposition. The following day they pro¬ 
ceeded up the river to Hamden, distant 35 miles where 
lay the Adams frigate, Capt Morris, just returned 
from a cruise. Capt. Morris prepared himself to re- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


249 


ceive them as well as he could, by landing his guns and 
erecting batteries. A considerable militia force had 
by this time assembled ; but they fled at the approach 
of the enemy. He therefore, after a few fires, spiked 
his guns, burnt his stores and prize goods, and blew 
up the ship. He and his crew escaped. Capt. Mor¬ 
ris was the last man who left the vessel. He made his 
escape, after firing the train by swimming. 


OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

Letter from Capt. C. Morris to the Sec’y of the navy. 
Sir, Portland Sept. 8, 1814. 

It is with regret that I inform you, we were com¬ 
pelled to destroy the Adams, at Hamden, on the mor¬ 
ning of the 3d inst. to prevent her falling into the hands 
of the enemy. 

All the officers effected their escape, and I believe 
the crew, with the exception of a very few, who were 
unable to travel. Their precise number cannot be as¬ 
certained, as we were obliged to pursue different routs, 
for the purpose of obtaining provisions, through the 
woods between the Penobscot and Kennebeck. 

I am now engaged collecting and forwarding the 
men with the utmost despatch to Portsmouth, from 
which place I hope soon to forward a detailed account 
of our proceedings. 

In the mean time, I request you to believe, that the 
officers and crew of this ship neglected no means in 
their power for her defence. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Hon. William Jones, C. MORRIS. 

Secr’y of the navy. 

A letter from Capt. Morris to the secretary of the 
navy, dated Sept. 20th, giving a more particular ac¬ 
count of the loss of the Adams , concludes as follows : 

“ The character of my first lieutenant, Wadsworth, 
was already too well established to require the ad- 

32 



250 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


ditional evidence he gave of richly deserving the en¬ 
tire confidence of the department and his country. 
His brother officers of the navy and marines, equally 
zealous and attentive, are also entitled to my thanks 
and their country's approbation. The bravery of the 
seamen and marines is unquestioned ; their uncom¬ 
monly good conduct upon their march, those feelings 
which induced them to rally round their flag, at a dis¬ 
tance of 200 miles from the place of their dispersion, 
entitled them to particular approbation, and render 
them an example, which their brother tars may ever be 
proud to imitate.” 


LOSS OF THE SYREN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. BRINE, OF HIS MAJESTY’S 
SHIP MEDWAY 74, TO VICE ADMIRAL TYLER. 

His Majesty's Ship Medway , at sea , 

Sir, July 12, 1814. 

I have the honor to acquaint you, that crusing in 
the execution of your orders, I this day fell in with 
and captured, after a chase of 11 hours, nearly on a 
wind, the United States brig of war Syren , comman¬ 
ded by J. N. Nicholson, who succeeded to the com¬ 
mand by the death of her captain (Parker) at sea. 
The Syren , is pierced for 18 guns, had 16 mounted, 
viz. two 42 and twelve 241b carronades, with two long 
9 pounders, and had a complement of 137 men ; all 
her guns, boats, anchors, cables, and spars were 
thrown overboard during the pursuit. The Syren had 
received a most complete repair, previous to her sail¬ 
ing, and is newly coppered. 

I have &c. 

AUG. BRINE. 

A court of inquiry, convened at New York on the 
2d of September 1815, after mature deliberation on 
the evidence adduced, and on all the circumstances at- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


251 


tending the capture, were of opinion, “that no cen¬ 
sure can be attached to Lieut. Com. Nicholson for 
the loss of the Syren ; but, on the contrary, that his 
conduct was that of a cool, vigilent, zealous, and ac¬ 
tive officer. The court were also of opinion, that the 
conduct of the officers and crew during the chase was 
perfectly correct and free from censure.'' 

SAMUEL EVANS, Prest. 
Samuel R. Marshall, Acting Judge Advocate. 


REPULSE OF THE BRITISH AT MOBILE. 

Extract of a letter from Gen. Jackson to the secr’y 
of the navy. 

Sir, September 17, 1814. 

With lively emotions of satisfaction, I communi¬ 
cate, that success has crowned the efforts of our brave 
soldiers in resisting and repulsing a combined British 
naval and land force, which on the 15th inst. attacked 
Fort Bowyer, on the point of Mobile. 

I enclose a copy of the official report of Maj. Will¬ 
iam Lawrence, of the 2d infantry, who commanded. 
In addition to the particulars communicated in his 
letter, I have learnt, that the enemy's ship which was 
destroyed, was the Hermes , of from 24 to 28 guns, 
Capt. the Hon. William H. Percy, senior officer in 
the gulf of Mexico; and the brig so considerably 
damaged is the Sophie , 18 guns, Capt. William Lock- 
yer. The other ship was the Carron , of from 24 to 28 
guns, Capt. Spencer, son of Earl Spencer ; the other 
brig's name unknown. On board the Carron, 85 men 
were killed and wounded. 

An acheavement so glorious in its consequences, 
should be appreciated by the government; and those 
concerned in it are entitled to and will doubtless re¬ 
ceive, the most gratifying evidence of the approba¬ 
tion of their countrymen. 

In the words of Major Lawrance, “ where all beha- 



252 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


ved so well, it is unnecessary to discriminate.” But 
all being, meritorious, I beg leave to annex the names 
of the officers, who were engaged and present, and 
hope they will individually, be deemed worthy of dis¬ 
tinction. 

Maj. William Lawrence, 2d infantry ; comman¬ 
ding ; Capt. Walsh of the artillery ; Captains Cham¬ 
berlain, Brownlow, and Bradley of the 2d infantry 
Capt. Sands, deputy commissary of ordnance ; Lieu- 
enants Villerd, Sturges, Conway, H. Sanders, T. R. 
Sanders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Sanders, all of the 
2d infantry. 

I am confident that you own feelings will lead you 
to participate in my wishes on this subject. Permit 
me to suggest the propriety and justice of allowing to 
this gallant little band the value of the vessel destroy¬ 
ed by them. 

I have the honor, &c. 

A. JACKSON. 


CAPTURE OF THE PIRATES OF BAR RATA RI A. 

Extract of a letter from Com. Patterson to the secr’y 
of the navy. 

Sir, New Orleans , Oct. 10, 1814. 

I have very great satisfaction in reporting to you, 
that the contemplated expedition against the pirates, 
so long and strongly established among the western 
islands and waters of this state, of which I had the 
honor to inform you in my letter of the 10th ult. has 
terminated in the capture and destruction of all their 
vessels in port—their establishments on the islands of 
Grand Terre, Grand Isle, and Cheniere, and the dis- 
dispersion of the band themselves. The successful 
issue of this attack upon them will, I trust, prevent 
their ever collecting again, in force sufficient to injure 
the commerce of this state. 

The force of the pirates was 20 pieces of cannon 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


253 


mounted, of different calibers, and as I have learnt 
since my arrival, from 800 to 1000 men of all nations 
and colors. I have brought with me to this city six 
fine schooners and one felucca, cruisers and prizes of 
the pirates, and one armed schooner under Carthage- 
nion colors found in company, and ready to oppose 
the force under my command. 

I have the honor, &c. 

DANIEL PATTERSON. 

In another letter from Com. Patterson to the sec¬ 
retary of the navy, honorable mention is made of 
Lieut. Alexis, T. Shields, purser, J. D. Ferris, com¬ 
mander of vessel No. 5, Lieut. T. A. C. Jones, Ac¬ 
ting Lieut’s Spedder and M’Keever, Sailing Mas¬ 
ters Ulrick and Johnson, and Acting Lieut. Cunning¬ 
ham. 

On the 23d of September, by some accident, gun¬ 
boat No. 140 was blown up at Ocracock. Nine per¬ 
sons lost their lives by this disaster. 


The United States tender, Franklin , commanded 
by Mr. Hammersley, master’s mate, was captured on 
the 6th of November by a tender and 14 barges and 
boats of the enemy, off Back River point, after a ve¬ 
ry gallant defence of an hour and a half. The Frank¬ 
lin was afterwards recaptured. 


LOSS OF A FLOTILLA IN LAKE BORGNE. 

Letter from Acting Surgeon Marshall to Com. 
Patterson. 

Sir, Neiv Orleans , Dec. 17, 1814. 

I have the honour to inform you, that on Tuesday 
evening, the 13th inst, at 10 o’clock A. M. the enemy 
landed at Pass Christianne with one hundred and six 
barges from the squadron off Ship Island. At 2 P. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


254 

M.got under way, and directed their course towards 
the U. S. gun vessels, then laying at anchor off Bay St. 
Louis. They did not however come up with our 
squadron that night, which, in the mean time retreated 
to the Malheraux Islands, where the wind and tide 
forced them to remain. Wednesday, thel4th inst. the 
weather being calm, at 10 o’clock, A. M. an engage¬ 
ment ensued, which continued about 2 hours, when 
the enemy closed and surrounded the gun vessels in 
every direction, keeping up a constant fire from their 
great guns and musketry, and making frequent at¬ 
tempts to carry by boarding. In this situation, our 
gallant officers and men, resolving never to give up 
their ships, fought with the most distinguished brave¬ 
ry, for the incredible space of one hour, against such 
an overwhelming force * when the action terminated 
in the capture of gun vessels No. 156, 162,163, 23, 5, 
and despatch boat Alligator , which were immediately 
carried to the eastward. I immediately proceeded 
with Mr. Johnson, to the Petitte Coquilles, where I 
received instructions to join the enemy, and render 
such aid as their prisoners might require. On Friday 
morning I arrived at the Bay of St. Louis, and discov¬ 
ered that the British had succeeded, without difficul¬ 
ty, in getting one large ship, several brigs and schoon¬ 
ers through Pass Mary Ann, and others rapidly fol¬ 
lowing them, amounting to at least 50 in number.— 
Having made this discovery, I deemed it prudent to 
dispense with my instructions, in order to acquaint you 
with this circumstance. I accordingly employed a 
guard to convey me in the most expeditious route to 
New Orleans, (the direct communication being in pos¬ 
session of the enemy.) Friday evening I discovered 
10 schooners in the mouth of Pearl river, and five gun 
vessels at the east entrance of the Rigolets, under way 
and steering towards the Petitte Coquilles. 

I have no doubt the above vessels are constructed 
for those waters, and that in ten days the British will 
have from 20 to 40 sail in Lake Ponchartrain. 

I have the honor &,c. 

GEORGE MARSHALL. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


255 


The American flotilla carried in all 23 guns and 
182 men. The British, 42 guns and 1200 men.— 
Capt. Lockyer received three wounds in the action. 
From the nature of the engagement, and the observa¬ 
tions made by our officers while prisoners, the enemy's 
loss in killed and wounded may be estimated at more 
than 300, among whom are an unusual proportion of 
officers. Our loss was comparatively small. 

In May 1815, a court of inquiry was held in the na¬ 
val arsenal, at New Orleans, for the purpose of inves¬ 
tigating the conduct of the officers and men, late of the 
late division of United States gun-vessels, under Lieut. 
T. A. C. Jones, captured by the enemy December 
14, 1814. They were acquitted in the most honora¬ 
ble manner. The opinion of the court concludes as 
follows : 44 With the clearest evidence for their guide, 
the court experience the most heartfelt gratification 
in declaring the opinion, that Lieut. Com. Jones, and 
his gallant supporters—Lieutenants Spedder and M'- 
Keever, Sailing Masters Ulrich and Ferris—their offi¬ 
cers and men, performed their duty on this occasion, 
in the most able and gallant manner, and that the ac¬ 
tion has added another and distinguished honor to 
the naval character of our country." 


LOSS OF U. S. SCHOONER CAROLINA. 

j Extract of a letter from Capt. Henley to Com. 

Patterson. 

Sir, JVeic Orleans , Dec. 28,1814. 

I have the honor to inform you, that after you 
left here on the 26th inst, in pursuance to your order, 
every possible exertion was made to move the schoon¬ 
er Carolina higher up the river, and near Gen. Jack¬ 
son's camp, without success ; the wind being at N. N. 
W. and blowing fresh, and too scant to get under 
way, and the current too rapid to move her by warp¬ 
ing, which I had endeavored to do with my crew. 



256 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


At day light, on the morning of the 27th, the ene¬ 
my opened upon the Carolina a battery of five guns, 
from which they threw shells and hot shot; we returned 
their fire with the long 12 pounder, the only gun on 
board, which could reach across the river. The air 
being light rendered it impossible to get under way. 
Finding the vessels in a sinking condition, expecting 
every minute she would blow up, at a little after sun¬ 
rise I reluctantly gave orders for the crew to abandon 
her, which was effected with the loss of one killed and 
six wounded : a short time after I had succeeded in 
getting the crew on shore, I had the extreme mortifi¬ 
cation of seeing her blow up. It affords me great 
pleasure to acknowledge the able assistance I received 
from Lieuts. Norris and Crowley and Sailing Mas¬ 
ter Hatter, and to say that my officers and crew be¬ 
haved on this occasion as well as on the 23d, when un¬ 
der your own eye, in a most gallant manner. 

I have &c. 

JOHN D. HENLEY. 

The naval officers and sailors, of the New Orleans 
station, fought with uncommon bravery in the glori¬ 
ous battle of the 8th of January 1815, of which honor¬ 
able notice is taken in the following letter 


LETTER FROM W. C. C. CLAIBORNE TO COM. PATTERSON. 

Sir, Neiv Orleans, Jan. 28, 1815. 

I have been a witness of your unwearied exertions 
and steady firmness during the late struggle ; I am ve¬ 
ry sensible of the obligations Louisiana is under to you 
and to the portion of the U. S. navy, which you com¬ 
mand, for a most zealous and effectual co-operation in 
the defence of its capital. Receive then yourself, and 
be good enough to convey to the officers and men un¬ 
der your orders, my warmest thanks. The misfortune 
which attended our gun-boats on the lakes is, on ac¬ 
count of the many brave men who fell on the occasion, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


25 7 


cause of sincere regret; but we know that the unequal 
conflict was for a length of time, gloriously maintain¬ 
ed ; nor was the flag of our country struck, until our 
gallant tars had added still more lustre to the naval 
character of America ; a character, which I sincerely 
hope may long live to sustain, and in those conspicu¬ 
ous stations, which you so well deserve to occupy. 

I have the honor to be &,c. 

WILLIAM C. C. CLAIBORNE. 


PEACOCK 

The United States sloop of war Peacock , Capt. L. 
Warrington, arrived at New York on the 30th of Oc¬ 
tober 1815, after a successful cruise of nine months. 
During her cruise she touched at the Islands of St. 
Paul, Amsterdam, Java, and Bourbon. From her 
different captures she obtained about 15,000 dollars in 
silver and 4 or 5,000 more in gold, besides a large 
quantity of valuable goods. Among the vessels cap¬ 
tured by the Peacock was the ship Nautilus, 14 guns 
and 130 men, taken after a single broadside, which 
killed 7 and wounded 16 men. 

A FACT WORTHY OF RECORD. 

The arrival of the United States sloop Peacock , 
from her last cruise against the British, and the con¬ 
clusion of the war against the States of Barbary, by 
the squadron under the command of Com. Decatur, 
have given rise to the following unprecedented histori¬ 
cal fact, to wit: The declaration, prosecution, and 
successful termination of one naval war, before all the 
cruisers of a previous naval war had come in. 


LAKE HURON. 

In the summer of 1814, the squadron under Com. 
Sinclair, on Lake Huron, captured the British schoon 
33 




258 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


er Mink, laden with flour. The Mink was built on 
Lake Superiour, and was a new vessel; also, his Brit¬ 
annic Majesty's schooner Nancy, of 3 guns ; a fine 
vessel and richly laden with valuable stores. The 
schooner Perseverance, laden with provisions, was 
captured on Lake Superiour by Com. Sinclair, and 
was destroyed in passing down the falls of St. Mary's. 

Com. Sinclair, having destroyed all the naval force 
of the enemy above the size of batteaux, on the upper 
lakes, in August returned to Erie, leaving the U. S. 
schooner Scorpion and Tygress, under the command 
of Lieuts. Turner and Champlin, for the purpose of 
blockading Nattawasauga river. On the night of the 
3d of September, the Tygress was captured by the 
barges of the enemy, and on the 5th the Scorpion 
shared the same fate. 

Extract from the opinion of a court of inquiry , held 
on hoard the United States Ship Independence, in 
Boston harbour, to investigate the causes of the 
capture of the Scorpion and Tygress. 

“ The court find, that after Lieut. Turner had pro¬ 
ceeded to cruise off French river, on the night of the 
3d of September last, the Tygress was attacked by 
the enemy in five large boats, (one of them mounting 
a 6 pounder, and the others a 3 pounder each,) and by 
19 canoes, carrying about 300 sailors, soldiers, and 
Indians, under the command of an English naval offi¬ 
cer : that owing to the extreme darkness of the night, 
the enemy were not perceived until they were close on 
board ; nor were they then discovered but by the sound 
of their oars. 

“ After they were discovered, every exertion was 
made by Lieut. Champlin, his officers and men, to de¬ 
fend his schooner, that bravery and skill could sug¬ 
gest ; and not until all the officers were cut down, did 
the overwhelming numbers of the enemy prevail.— 
The enemy, having thus captured the Tygress, and 
having mounted on her their 6 and 3 pounders, and 
placed on board a complement of from 70 to 100 pick- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


259 


ed men, remained at St. Joseph’s until the 5th of 
September,. On the evening of that day the court find, 
that the Scorpion returned from cruising off French 
river, and to anchor within five miles of the Tygress , 
without any information having been received, or sus¬ 
picion entertained by Lieut. Turner, of her capture. 
At the dawn of the next day, it appears that the gun¬ 
ner having charge of the watch, passed word to the 
sailing master, that the Tygress was bearing down 
under American colours. In a few minutes after, she 
ran along side of the Scorpion , fired, boarded, and 
carried her. 

“ It appears to the court, that the loss of the Scor¬ 
pion is, in a great measure, to be attributed to the 
want of signals ; and owing to this deficiency, no sus¬ 
picions were excited as to the real character of the 
Tygress ; and from some of the English officers and 
men on board of her being dressed in the clothes of 
her former officers and men, and the residue of the en¬ 
emy’s crew being concealed, a surprise was effected, 
which precluded the possibility of defence. 

“ The court are therefore of opinion, from the whole 
testimony before them, that the conduct of Lieut. 
Turner was that of a discreet and vigilant officer.” 

JOHN SHAW, Pres. 

W. C. Alwyn, Judge Advocate. 

Approved , B. W. Crowinshield. 


LAKE ERIE. 

On the afternoon of the 8th of October 1812, two 
British armed vessels, the Caledonia and Detroit (for¬ 
merly the American brig Adams) arived at fort Erie, 
from Malden, and anchored under the guns of the fort. 
Capt. Elliot, the naval commander on Lake Erie, im¬ 
mediately conceived the project of cutting these ves¬ 
sels out of the harbour in the course of the succeed¬ 
ing night : Accordingly, the necessary arrangements 
having been made, about 100 volunteers, consisting 
principally of sailors, under the command of Capt. 



26 0 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Elliott, armed with sabres and pistols, embarked in 
two boats about midnight, and rowing into the lake 
above the vessels,drifted down with the current till they 
were hailed by a sentinel from one of the vessels, when 
they sprang to their oars, and closing in upon the ves¬ 
sels, they boarded them, drove the British below the 
decks, cut the cables, and towed them down the lake. 

The night being dark and cloudy, the vessel run 
aground ; the Caledonia ran close into the ferry at 
Black Rock, and the Detroit on the upper end of 
Squaw Island, near the middle of Niagara river. In 
their passage down and while they were aground, the 
British opened their batteries upon them, and the 
Americans returned the fire from the Detroit; but 
finding they could not bring the guns to bear upon the 
enemy to advantage, they left her. About 10 o’clock 
next morning, a company of British regulars from 
Fort Erie boarded the Detroit , with an intention to 
destroy the military stores with which she was princi¬ 
pally laden ; but they were dislodged by a detachment 
of volunteers, under the command of Capt. Cyrenus 
Chapin, who crossed over to Squaw Island for that 
purpose. 

About 3 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day 
the British boarded the Detroit a second time, and 
were again dislodged. In this second attempt three 
of the British were taken prisoners, and a considera¬ 
ble number of them wounded. During the principal 
part of the day the British kept up a heavy fire from 
their batteries, upon the vessels for the purpose of de¬ 
stroying them, and to prevent them from falling into 
our hands. 

The Caledonia , however, with her cargo of fur, es¬ 
timated at $150,000, was secured by our men, who, 
after removing the principal part of the military stores 
from the Detroit set her on fire and abandoned her. 

In this gallant enterprize, about 50 of the British 
were taken prisoners, and 28 prisoners of the regiment 
of Gen. Hull’s army, retaken. On our part, 4 were 
killed and 7 wounded ; one killed in boarding, and 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


261 


the others from the batteries on the British shore. 
Among the killed was the brave Maj. Cuyler, aid to 
Gen. Hull. He was buried with the honors of war. 

The Detroit mounted 61b. long guns, and had 56 
men. On board her were the Americans mentioned 
above. The Caledonia mounted 2 small guns, and 
had a crew of 12 men. The Detroit , formely the 
United States vessel of war Mams , was captured by 
the British, on the 16th of August 1812, when Gen. 
Hull's army, and the town of Detroit were surrender¬ 
ed to the enemy. 

For an account of Perry's victory ,* see page 85. 


LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 

LOSS OF THE GROWLER AND EAGLE. 

On the morning of the 2d of June 1813, the Grow¬ 
ler and Eagle were ordered from Plattsburg to the 
lines, under the command of Lieut. Sidney Smith, in 
consequence of British gun-boats coming into our 
waters, and annoying our small water craft. Next 
morning they discovered a British gun-boat and im¬ 
mediately gave her chase; she fired an alarm gun, 
and in fifteen minutes four others came up to her assis¬ 
tance, and commenced firing upon our vessels, at the 
lower end of Ash Island, (six miles within the prov¬ 
ince.) In an hour and a half the enemy had landed 
one hundred regulars from the Isle-aux-Noix, on each 
side of the river, opposite our vessels, within musket 
shot. The current being strong, and wind southerly, 
it was impossible for our vessels to get back. They, 
however, continued an incessant and heavy fire, and 
kept the enemy on shore at such a respectable distance, 
that their fire had no effect. 

* Immediately after Com, Perry left the Lawrence , a sailor, who was left be¬ 
hind, determining not to fall into the hands of the enemy, leaped overboard and 
swam to the Niagara. The brave tar reached the Niagara almost as soon as 
the commodore. This anecdote was mentioned by the commodore himself who 
was an eye witness of it. The sailor is exhibited in the plate representing the 
battle. 




262 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The action lasted from five to half past nine o'clock, 
A. M. when the Eagle, being no longer able to sup¬ 
port her weight of metal, (she being very old) went 
down on firing her last broadside ; the Growler was 
at length compelled to yield to superior force. 

Our loss was one killed, six wounded, and 106 ta¬ 
ken prisoners. The loss of the enemy is not known. 

The Growler carried ten 121b carronades; the 
Eagle 10 guns. 


In August 1813, a considerable British force lan¬ 
ded at Plattsburg, destroying the public buildings and 
stores, and immediately afterwards abandoned the 
place. 

Soon after the battle of the 11th of September, # 
a quantity of shells &,c. were taken out of the 
lake of which mention is made in the following extract 
of a letter from Com. Macdonough to the secretary 
of the navy. 

November, 6, 1814. 

“ I have the honor to inform you, that about six 
tons 8 inch shells have been taken out of the lake by 
us at this place, which were thus secreted by the ene¬ 
my in his late incursion into this country. 

“ A transport sloop has also recently been raised at 
Isle La Motte, which was sunk by the enemy, loaded 
with their naval stores, and various instruments of war. 
On weighing the powder taken on board the enemy's 
squadron, we find 17,0001bs. with shot in proportion, 
besides much fixed ammunition." 


LAKE ONTARIO. 

On the morning of the 19th of July 1812, Capt. 
M. T. Woolsey, of the Oneida, lying in Sacket's har¬ 
bour, discovered from the mast-head of his brig, five 

* For an account of Macdonough’s victory, see page 145. 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 


263 


British sail, viz. the Royal George of 24 guns, the 
Prince Regent of 22, the Elmira of 20, the Seneca 
ot 18, and one other, about five leagues distant, beat¬ 
ing up for the harbour, with a wind ahead. Soon 
after sun-rise, the Prince Regent brought to, and 
captured the custom-house boat about 7 miles from the 
harbour, on her return from Gravelly Point. The 
boat’s crew were liberated and set on shore w ith a 
message to Col. Bellenger, the commandant at the har¬ 
bour, demanding the surrender of the Oneida , and the 
late British schooner Nelson, seized of a breach for 
the revenue laws, and fitting for a privateer, and de¬ 
claring, that in case of a refusal to surrender the ves¬ 
sels, the squadron would burn the village, or lay the 
inhabitants under contribution. Soon after this, Capt. 
Woolsey left the harbour in the Onedia, and ran down 
w ithin a league of the squadron, when he returned and 
moored his vessel on a line with the battery. Capt. 
Woolsey, being the most experienced engineer pre¬ 
sent,left the Onedia under the command of a lieuten¬ 
ant, went on shore, and took the command of a 32 
pounder, mounted the day before on the battery, oth¬ 
er guns of which consisted of 9 pounders. By this 
the enemy had arrived within gun-shot, the Royal 
George,ns a flag ship, ahead,and firing was commenced 
from the 32 pounder. This was returned by the squad¬ 
ron, which stood off and on—and a brisk cannonading 
was reciprocally continued for more than two hours. 
All our guns were well manned and served, and it 
was plainly discovered, that the Royal George and 
Prince Regent were much injured. As the flag ship 
was wearing to give another broadside, a ball from the 
32 pounder was seen to strike her and rake her com¬ 
pletely ; after which the squadron fired a few guns, 
and bore away for Kingston. 


On the 31st of July, the Julia of 3 guns was fitted 
out at Sacket’s harbour with orders to proceed to 
Ogdensburg. After entering the St. Lawrence, she 



264 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


was attacked by the Earl Moira of 18 guns, and the 
Duke of Gloucester of 10 guns. The action continu¬ 
ed 3 hours and a half, during which time the Duke 
hauled up within half a mile of the Julia , and seemed 
preparing to board her, when two well directed shots 
from the Julia's 32 pounder forced her to abandon the 
idea. At 8 o’clock in the evening she weighed anchor, 
and proceeded to Ogdensburg. 


In October 1812 Com. Chauncey took the com¬ 
mand of the American fleet on this lake. 

On the 7th of November, Com. Chauncey’s squad¬ 
ron sailed from Sacket’s harbour on a cruise; on the 
8t,h fell in with the Royal George, and chased her into 
the Bay of Qnanti ; on the morning of the 9th, she was 
discovered lying in Kingston channel. Our vessels 
gave chase and pursued her into the harbour of Kings¬ 
ton, and fought her and the batteries for one hour and 
forty-five minutes. The Royal George being well 
protected and the wind blowing directly in, it was 
thought prudent to desist. American loss in this en¬ 
gagement was 1 killed and 3 wounded. On the 10th 
the enemy’s schooner Governor Simcoe was chased in¬ 
to Kingston. She narrowly escaped under a heavy 
fire from the Governor Tomkins , the Hamilton, and 
the Julia, which cut her very much. The commo¬ 
dore returned on the 12th. In this cruise our squad¬ 
ron captured 3 British trading schooners, on board one 
of which was Capt. Brock, of the 49th British regi¬ 
ment, brother of the late Gen. Brock. An interesting 
private letter, describing the engagement at Kingston 
harbour, from an officer under Com. Chauncey, con¬ 
cludes as follows: “ Just as we were going into ac¬ 
tion, Lieut. W-, taking a little packet out of his 

pocket, said to me, ‘ My good fellow, here is a cigar 
for you ; I heard you wish for one to day ; If I should 
be popped off, when you puff one of them, think of me:’ 
The gilt was a trifle, but the time, and the manner, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


265 


and the circumstances, which accompanied it, and the 
great alterations, which a minute might produce, were 
all such as to excite sensations, which before I have 
never felt. I have a thousand similar anecdotes to 
tell you, when we meet again. Throughout the ac¬ 
tion this officer was as cool, brave, and gallant as Nel¬ 
son. Our sailors had no grog ; they want no stimulus 
of that kind ; they seem to have no fear of death. I was 
by the side of Garnet a few minutes before he fell. 
He was laughing heartily, and in that act was cut in 
two by a nine pound shot. I afterwards saw his 
countenance ; it seemed as if the smile had not yet left 
it. This disaster only exasperated our seamen ; they 
prayed and entreated to be laid close aboard the Roy¬ 
al George only five minutes, £ just to revenge Garnet’s 
death.’ When I look back upon the scene, I cannot 
but acknowledge that a kind Providence has kept us 
under his special care and protection.” 


CAPTURE OF YORK. 

The American fleet left Sacket’s harbour on the 
25th of April 1813, for the purpose of Conveying Gen. 
Dearborn, and the expedition under his command, a- 
gainst the British post at York, where the fleet arrived 
on the 27th. The expedition was completely success¬ 
ful. The most important particulars relative to this 
event are given in the following extracts of a letter from 
Com. Chauncey to the secretary of the navy. 

United States ship Madison, at anchor off York, 
Sir, April 28, 1813. 

The debarcation commenced about eight o’clock 
A. M. and was completed about 10. The wind blow¬ 
ing heavy from the eastward, the boats fell to leeward 
of the position fixed upon, and were in consequenee ex¬ 
posed to a galling fire from the enemy, who had taken 
a position in a thick wood near where the first troops 
landed ; however, the cool intrepidity of the officers 



266 


NAVAL MONUMENTi 


and men overcame every obstacle. Their attack, upon 
the enemy was so vigorous, that he fled in every direc¬ 
tion, leaving a great many of his killed and wounded 
upon the held. As soon as the troops were landed I 
directed the schooner to take a position near the fort, 
in order that the attack upon them by the army and 
navy might be simultaneous. The schooners were ob¬ 
liged to beat up to their position, which they did in ve¬ 
ry handsome order under a heavy fire from the ene¬ 
my’s batteries, and, taking a position within six hun¬ 
dred yards of their principal fort, opened a heavy can¬ 
nonade upon the enemy, which did great execution, 
and very much contributed to their final reduction. 

The troops as soon as landed were formed under the 
immediate order of Brig, Gen. Pike* who led in a 
most gallant manner the attack upon the forts, and af¬ 
ter having carried two redoubts, in their approach to 
the principal work the enemy having previously laid a 
train, blew up his magazine, which in its effects upon 
our troops was dreadful, having killed and wounded 
a great many, and amongst the former, the ever to be 
lamented Brig. Gen. Pike, who fell at the head of his 
column by a contusion received by a heavy stone from 
the magazine. His death at this time is much to be 
regretted, as he had the perfect confidence of the ma¬ 
jor general ; and his known activity, zeal and experi¬ 
ence make his loss a national one. 

The enemy set fire to some of his principal stores, 
containing large quantities of naval and military stores, 
as well as a ship upon the stocks nearly finished. 
The only vessel found here is the Duke of Gloucester 
undergoing repairs—the Prince Regent left here on 
the 24th for Kingston. 

I have to regret the death of Midshipman Thomp¬ 
son and Hatfield, and several seamen killed—the ex¬ 
act number I do not know, as the returns from the 
different vessels have not yet been received. 

I cannot speak in too much praise of the cool intre¬ 
pidity of the officers and men generally under my 
command, and I feel myself particularly indebted to 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 267 

the officers commanding vessels, for their zeal in sec¬ 
onding all my views. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 
Hon. William Jones. 


List of hilled and wounded on hoard Com. Chaun¬ 
cey' s squadron in the attach on Yorh , Canada. 

Killed —John Hatfield, midshipman; Benjamin 
duereau, sailmaker ; Israel Clark, seaman ; Mr. 
Thompson, midshipman. 

Wounded —John Campbell, seaman, badly; Rich¬ 
ard Welsh, blackman slightly ; David C. Burrill, 
seaman, slightly ; Benjamin Hacker, seaman, badly 
John Ratler, do. do. Jno. Stimas, do. slightly ; John 
Patterson, do. badly ; Lemuel Bryant, do. do. 

William Buckley was wounded in the attack on 
Fort George, (since dead;) William Wills was also 
wounded. 


CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE. 

Com, Chauncey, having returned to Sacket’s har¬ 
bour, sailed again on the 22dof May for Fort George. 
Our land and naval forces united captured this place 
on the 28th. Com. Chauncey’s official account of 
this expedition concludes as follows : 

“ Where all behaved so well, it is difficult to select 
any one for commendation ; yet in doing justice to 
Lieut. M’Phersen I do not detract from the merits 
of others. He was fortunate in placing himself in a 
situation, where he rendered very important services 
in covering the troops so completely, that their loss 
was trifling. 

Capt. Perry joined me from Erie on the evening of 
the 25th, and very gallantly volunteered his services ; 
and I have much pleasure in acknowledging the great 


268 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

assistance which I received from him in arranging and 
superintending the debarcation of the troops—he was 
present at every point where he could be useful, un¬ 
der showers of musketry, but fortunately escaped un¬ 
hurt. We lost but 1 killed and 2 wounded, and no 
injury done to the vessels.” 


ATTACK ON SACKET’s HARBOUR. 

The British fleet, having on board 1200 men under 
Sir George Prevost, arrived off Sacket’s harbour on 
the 29th of May. At this time the American squad¬ 
ron were cruising in a distant part of the lake. On 
the 29th, the enemy made a bold attack, but were 
completely repulsed by the troops under the command 
of Gen. Brown, with the loss of about 200, in killed 
and wounded. Among the former were an adjutant 
general, two majors, several captains, &c. The 
American loss was about 150 killed and wounded. 
Among the killed were two excellent officers, Col. 
Mills and Col. Backus. On the evening preceeding 
the attack the British captured 12 of our barges. 

The officers left in charge of this station, unfortu¬ 
nately set fire to the naval store-houses, hospital, and 
marine barracks, by which the valuable stores taken 
at York, and the stores for the use of our fleet, were 
consumed. Soon after this affair, Com. Chauncey 
returned to Sacket’s harbour. 


On the 16th of June, Lieut. Wolcott Chauncey, 
with the Lady of the Lake , fell in with and captured 
the schooner Lady Murray , from Kingston, bound to 
York, with an ensign (Geo. Charles Merce) and 15 
non-commissioned officers and privates, belonging to 
the 41st and 104th regiments, loaded with provisions, 
powder, shot, and fixed ammunition. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


On the 17th of July a small expedition, aided by 
40 soldiers, lent to Com. Chauncey by Gen. Lewis, 
sailed from Sacket’s harbour on board two small row¬ 
boats, with a 16 pounder in each, to the head of the 
St. Lawrence where they captured a fine gun-boat, 
mounting a 24 pounder 14 batteaux loaded, 4 officers 
and 61 men. 


The American fleet arrived at York on the 31st 
of July. Com. Chauncey’s official account of their 
proceedings concludes as follows: “We run the 
schooner, into the upper harbour, landed the marines 
and soldiers under the command of Col. Scott, with¬ 
out opposition, found several hundred barrels of flour 
and provisions in the public store-house, five pieces 
of cannon, eleven boats, and a quantity of shot, shells 
and other stores, all which were either destroyed or 
brought away. On the 1st of August just after re¬ 
ceiving on board all the vessels could take, I ordered 
the barracks and the public store-house to be burnt.’’ 


LOSS OF THE HAMILTON AND SCOURGE. 

On the 7th of August the British fleet appeared off 
Sacket’s harbour. Com. Chauncey immediately set 
sail with his squadron, and made every exertion to 
bring the enemy to action. The British however de¬ 
clined an engagement. The principal occurrences 
during this cruise are related in the following extracts 
from commodore’s official account : “ On the 8th, at 
2 A. M. missed two of our schooners ; at day-light, 
discovered the missing schooners to be the Hamilton 
and Scourge. Soon after spoke Governor Tompkins , 
who informed that the Hamilton and Scourge both 
overset and sunk in a heavy squall, about 2 o’clock, 
and, distressing to relate, every soul perished except 
sixteen. This fatal accident deprived me at once of 


270 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


two valuable officers, Lieut. Winter and Sailing Mas¬ 
ter Osgood, and two of my best schooners, mounting 
together 19 guns. 

“ On the 9th, about half past 10, the enemy tacked 
and stood after us. At 11, the rear of our line open¬ 
ed his fire upon the enemy ; in about 15 minutes the 
fire became general from the weather line, which was 
returned from the enemy. At half past 11,the weather 
line bore up and passed to the leeward, except the 
Growler and Julia , which soon after tacked to the 
southward, which brought the enemy between them 
and me. Filled the main top-sail and edged away 
two points to lead the enemy down, not only to engage 
him to more advantage, but to lead him from the 
Growler and Julia. He, however, kept his wind un¬ 
til he completely separated those two vessels from the 
rest of the squadron, exchanged a few shot with this 
ship (the General Pike) as he passed, without injury 
to us, and made sail after our two schooners. Tack¬ 
ed and stood after him. At 12 (midnight) finding that 
I must either separate from the rest of the squadron, 
or relinquished the hope of saving the two which had 
separated, I reluctantly gave up the pursuit. The fir¬ 
ing was continued between our 2 schooners and the 
enemy’s fleet until about 1 A. M. when, I presume, 
they were obliged to surrender to a force so much 
their superior.’’ 

Extract of a letter from Com. Isaac Chciuncey to 
the Secretary of the navy. 

On hoard the U. S. ship Gen. Pike , off Duck Island , 
Sir, Sept. 13, 1813. 

On the 7th, at day light, the enemy’s fleet was dis¬ 
covered close in with Niagara river, wind from the 
southward. Made the signal, and weighed with the 
fleet (prepared for action) and stood out of the river 
after him ; he immediately made all sail to the north¬ 
ward. We made sail in chase with our heavy schoo¬ 
ners in tow, and have continued the chase all round 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


271 


the lake night and day, until yesterday morning when 
she succeeded in getting into Amherst Bay, which is so 
little known to our pilots, and said to be full of shoals, 
that they are not willing to take me in there. I Shall 
however (unless driven from my station by a gale of 
wind) endeavour to watch him so close as to prevent 
his getting out upon the lake. 

During our long chase we frequently got within from 
one to two miles of the enemy, but our heavy sailing 
schooners prevented our closing with him, until the 
11th, off Gennessee river, we carried a breeze with us 
while he lay becalmed to within about three quarters 
of mile of him, when he took the breeze and we had 
a running fight of three and a half hours, but by his 
superior sailing he escaped me and run into Amherst 
Bay yesterday morning. In the course of our chase 
on the 11th, I got several broadsides from this ship 
upon the enemy, which must have done him considera¬ 
ble injury, as many of the shot were seen to strike 
him, and people were observed over the sides plugging 
shot holes. A few shot struck our hull, and a little 
rigging was cut, but nothing of importance—not a 
man was hurt. 

I was much disappointed that Sir James refused to 
fight me, as he was so much superior in point of force 
both in guns and men—having upwards of 20 guns 
more than we have, and having a greater weight of 
shot. 

This ship, the Madison , and the Sylph have each a 
schooner constantly in tow, yet the others cannot sail 
as fast as the enemy’s squadron, which gave him deci¬ 
dedly the advantage, and puts it in his power to en- 
engage me when and how he chooses. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. William Jones, ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

Secr’y of the navy. 

The British squadron was blockaded four days in 
Amherst Bay, when, by the aid of a heavy wind from 
the westward, they escaped and succeeded in getting 
into Kingstown. 


272 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Com. Chauncey, having ascertained that the British 
squadron was in York Bay, sailed from Niagara on 
the 27th of September. The most important events 
of this cruise are related in the following extracts from 
the commodore's official letter : 

“ On the 28th, at 10 minutes past meridian, the en¬ 
emy, finding that we were closing fast with him, and 
that he must either risk an action, or suffer his two 
rear vessels to be cut off, tacked in succession, begin- 
ing at the van, hoisted his colors and commenced a well 
directed fire at this ship, for the purpose of covering 
his rear, and attacking our rear as he passed to the 
leeward. Perceiving his intention, I was determined 
to disappoint him ; therefore as soon as the Wolf (the 
leading ship) passed the centre of his line, and abeam 
of us, I bore up in succession (preserving our line) 
for the enemy's centre. This manoeuvre not only 
covered our rear, but hove him into confusion ; he 
immediately bore away ; we had however closed so 
near as to bring our guns to bear with effect, and in 
20 minutes the main and mizzen top-mast and main 
yard of the Wolf were shot away. He immediately 
put before the wind, and set all sail upon his fore¬ 
mast. I made the signal for the fleet to make all 
sail; the enemy, however, keeping dead before the 
wind, was able to outsail most of our squadron. I 
continued the chase until near 3 o'clock, during which 
time I was enabled in this ship (the General Pike) 
with the Asp in tow, to keep within point blank shot 
of the enemy, and sustained the whole of his fire dur¬ 
ing the chase. 

“ At 15 minutes before 3 o’clock A. M. I very re¬ 
luctantly relinquished the pursuit of a beaten enemy. 
The reasons that led to this determination, were such 
as I flatter myself you will approve. 

“ The loss sustained by this ship was considerable, 
owing to her being so long exposed to the fire of the 
whole of the enemy's fleet ; but our most serious loss 
was occasioned by the bursting of one of our guns, 
which killed and wounded 22 men, and tore up the top- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


2 73 


gallant forecastle, which rendered the gun upon that 
deck useless. We had 4 other guns cracked in the 
muzzle, which rendered their use extremely doubtful. 
Our main top-gallant mast was shot away in the ear¬ 
ly part of the action, and the bowsprit, fore and main 
mast wounded, rigging and sails much cut up, and a 
number of shot in our hull, several of which were be¬ 
tween wind and water, and 21 men killed and wound¬ 
ed, including those by the bursting of the gun. We 
have repaired nearly all our damages and are ready to 
meet the enemy. During our chase one, if not two, 
of the enemy’s small vessels were completely in our 
power, if I could have been satisfied with so partial 
victory, but I was so sure of the whole, that I passed 
them unnoticed, by which means they finally escaped.” 
In this letter mention is made of the conduct of Capt. 
Crane, Lieut. Brown, Lieut. Finch, Capt. Woolsey 
and Capt. Sinclair. 


CAPTURE OF THE HAMILTON AND CONFIANCE. 

Letter from Com. Chauncey to the Secr’y of the navy. 

U. S. ship Gen. Pike , Sachet*s harbour. 

Sir, Oct.6 } 1813. 

I have the pleasure to inform you, that I arrived 
here this morning, w ith 5 of the enemy’s vessels, which 
I fell in with and captured last evening, off the Ducks. 
They were part of a fleet of seven sail, which left 
York on Sunday with 234 troops on board, bound to 
Kingston. Of this fleet five were captured, one burnt 
and one escaped ; the prisoners amounting to nearly 
300, besides having upwards of 300 of our troops on 
board from Niagara, induced me to run into poit for 
the purpose of landing both. 

I have the additional pleasure of informing you, 
that amongst the captured vessels are the Hamilton 
and Confiance , late U. S. schooners Julia and Grow¬ 
ler;* the others are gun vessels. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 


* See page 270. 


35 




274 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO THE SEc’Y OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Sachet's harbour , May 1, 1814. 

I am happy to have it in my power to inform you, 
that the United States ship Superiour was launched 
this morning without accident. The Superiour is an 
uncommonly beautiful and well built ship, something 
larger than the President , and could mount 64 guns, 
if it was thought advisable to put as many upon her.— 
This ship has been built in the short space of 80 days, 
and when it is taken into view, that two brigs of 500 
tons each have also been built, rigged, and complete¬ 
ly fitted for service since the first of February, it will 
be acknowledged that the mechanics employed on this 
station have done their duty. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

ATTACK ON OSWEGO. 

On the 5th of May a British force appeared off Os¬ 
wego from Kingston, consisting of 3 ships, 2 brigs, 2 
schooners and a number of gun-boats, commanded by 
Com. Yeo. They were twice repulsed in attempts to 
land. On the 6th they succeeded in capturing the 
place with a considerable quantity of military stores. 
They evacuated the place on the 8th, after having set 
fire to the barracks. 


LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO THE SEc’y OF THE 
NAVY. 

Sir, Sachet's harbour , May 11, 1814. 

The enemy has paid dearly for the little booty which 
he obtained at Oswego. From the best information 
which I can collect,both from deserters and my agents, 
the enemy lost 70 men killed, and 165 wounded, 
drowning, and missing—in all, 231 ; nearly as many 
as were dpposed to them. Capt. Mulcaster is cer- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 


215 


tainly mortally wounded ; a captain of marines killed, 
and a number of other officers killed and wounded. 

I have the honor &,c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 


CAPTURE OF THE GUN-BOATS AT SANDY CREEK. 

Eighteen boats, under the command of Capt. 
Woolsey, from Oswego for Sacket's harbour, loaded 
with guns and naval stores put into Sandy Creek on 
the 29th of May. Japt. Woolsey, apprehending an 
attack, placed a number of riflemen and Indians (un¬ 
der the command of Maj. Appling) in the woods on 
each side of the creek, and sent a few raw militia, 
with a show of opposing the enemy's landing. The 
militia retreated on the first fire, pursued by the ene¬ 
my ; but as soon as they had passed the Indians and 
riflemen, who were in ambush, these last attacked 
them in the rear, while a battery of 4 field pieces open¬ 
ed upon thetn in front. Thus cut off in their retreat, 
the whole force of the enemy, 137 in number, surren¬ 
dered, with their gun-boats, 5 in number, after a 
smart action of 20 minutes, in which they lost 20 kil¬ 
led and 40 or 50 wounded. 

Among the enemy's killed were 1 lieutenant of ma¬ 
rines, and 1 midshipman ; among the prisoners were 
2 post captains, Popham and Spelsburg, one the com¬ 
mander of the Wolfr 4 lieutenants, and 4 midship¬ 
men. 


On the 19th of June, Lieut. Gregory, with a small 
force surprised and captured, on the St. Lawrence, a 
gun-boat, (the Black Snake, or No. 9) mounting one 
18 pounder, and manned with 18 men, chiefly royal 
marines. Being discovered and pursued by the ene¬ 
my, Lieut. Gregory after taking out the prisoners 
scuttled the prize and arrived at Sacket's harbour the 
next morning with his prisoners. In Com. Chauncey's 




276 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


official letter, honorable notice is taken of Lieut. 
Gregory, Sailing Master Vaughan, and Mr.Dixon. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

United States Ship Superior , Sachet's harbour 
Sir, July 7, 1814. 

I am happy that I have it in my power to detail to 
you another brilliant achievement of Lieut. Gregory 
with his brave companions. 

On the 29th ult. 1 directed Lieut. Gregory to take 
with him Messrs. Vaughan and Dixon—proceed with 
the two largest gigs to Nicholas Island, (within about 
seven miles of Presque Isle harbour) and there con¬ 
ceal his boats and wait for some transports there to 
take up provisions and munitions of war, which had 
been sent up the Bay of Q-uinte for the troops at 
York and Fort George, but if the transports did not 
make their appearance in three or four dqys, then to 
proceed to Presque Isle, and burn a vessel on the 
stocks ; but with positive orders not to injure a pri¬ 
vate building or any private property. The day after 
Lieut. Gregory arrived on the coast he discovered a 
vessel beating up, but just as he shoved off to board 
her, a large gun-boat hove in sight a little below him. 
This boat made a signal to the vessel in the offing, 
upon which she tacked and stood for the gun-boat. 
Lieut. Gregory secreted his boats as well as he could, 
but was apprehensive that he had been discovered. 
The gun-boat and her convoy (which was full of 
troops) stood into Presque Isle. Lieut. Gregory was 
determined to ascertain whether he had been discover¬ 
ed—accordingly he sent one of his boats in the next 
night and took off one of the inhabitants who inform¬ 
ed him, that it was known that he was on the coast, 
and that two expresses had been sent to Kingston in 
consequence. He therefore determined upon execu¬ 
ting the latter part of his instructions, and made his 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


211 


arrangments accordingly ; landed, place sentinels at 
the house to prevent alarm, and set fire to the vessel, 
which was nearly ready to launch; she was a stout,well 
built vessel, to mount 14 guns, and would probably 
have been launched in about ten days. A small store¬ 
house, which contained stores for the vessel, was un¬ 
avoidably burnt, as it was so near the vessel that it 
took fire from her. The few milita, which had been 
left to guard the vessel and property, retreated upon 
the approach of our boats. As soon as the vessel was 
entirely consumed, Lieut. Gregory re-embarked his 
men, without having permitted one of them to enter a 
house. Finding the alarm so general he thought pru¬ 
dent to cross the lake immediately: he stopped one 
day at Oswego for refreshment, and arrived here last 
evening, having performed a most difficult service with 
his usual gallantry and good conduct. 

Lieut. Gregory speaks in the highest terms of com¬ 
mendation of Sailing Master Vaughan and Mr. Dix¬ 
on, as well as the men under his command, for their 
patient endurance of hunger and fatigue and the zeal 
with which they perfomed every part of their duty. 

I think in justice to these brave men, that they ought 
to be allowed something for the destruction of this 
vessel—they have, however, every confidence in the 
justice and liberality of the government, and submit 
their case most cheerfully to its decision. 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

Hon. William Jones. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO THE 
secretar’y OF THE NAVY. 

United States Ship Superior off Kingston , 

Si R} August 10, 1814, 

Great anxiety of mind and severe bodily exertions 
have at length broken down the best constitution and 
subjected me to a violent fever, that confined me for 
eighteen days. This misfortune was no more to be 



278 


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foreseen than prevented, but was particularly severe 
at the moment it happened, as it induced a delay of 
five or six days in the sailing of the fleet. 

In the afternoon on the 31st of July, I was taken 
on board, but it was calm, and I did not sail before 
the next morning. To satisfy once whatever expecta¬ 
tions the public had been led to entertain of the suf¬ 
ficiency of this squadron to take and maintain the as¬ 
cendency on this lake, and at the same time to expose 
the futility of promise, the fulfilment of which had 
been rested on our appearance at the head of the 
lake, I got under way at 4 o’clock in the morning of 
the 1st mst. and steered for the mouth of the Niagara. 
Owing to light winds, I did not arrive off there be¬ 
fore the 5th. There we intercepted one of the en¬ 
emy’s brigs running over from York to Niagara with 
troops, and run her on shore about six miles to the 
westward of Fort George. I ordered the Sylph in, 
to anchor as near to the enemy as he could with safe¬ 
ty,and to destroy her. Capt. Elliott ran in,in a very 
gallant manner to within from 300 to 500 yards of her, 
and was about anchoring when the enemy set fire to 
her and she soon after blew up. This vessel was a 
schooner the last year, and called the Beresford — 
since they altered her to a brig they changed her name, 
and I have not been able to ascertain it. She moun¬ 
ted 14 guns, twelve 241b. carronades and two long 9 
pounders. 

My anxiety to return to this end of the lake was in¬ 
creased by the knowledge I had of the weakness of 
Sacket’s harbour, and the apprehension that the enemy 
might receive a large reinforcement at Kingston,and 
embarking some of the troops on board his fleet, make 
a dash at the harbour and burn it with all my stores 
during our absence. When I left the harbour there 
were but about 700 regular troops fit for duty It is 
true a few military had been called in, but little could 
be expected of them, should an attack be made. My 
apprehension, it seems, was groundless, the enemy 
having contented himself with annoying in some tri- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 279 

fling degree the coasters between Oswego and the har¬ 
bour in his boats. 

I cannot forbear expressing the regret I feel that so 
much sensation has been excited in the public mind, 
because this squadron did not sail so soon as the wise 
heads, that conduct our newspapers, have presumed 
to think it ought. I need not suggest to one of your 
experience, that a man-of-war may appear to the eye 
of a landsman perfectly ready for sea, when she is 
deficient in many of the most essential points of her 
armament, nor how unworthy I should have proved 
myself of the high trust reposed in me, had I ventur¬ 
ed to sea in the face of an enemy of equal force, with¬ 
out being ready to meet him in one hour after my an¬ 
chor was weighed. 

It ought in justice to be recollected, that the build¬ 
ing and equipment of vessels on the Atlantic are un¬ 
attended by any of the great difficulties which we 
have to encounter on this lake—there every depart¬ 
ment abounds with facilities ; a commander makes a 
requisition, and articles of every description are fur¬ 
nished in twelve hours; but this fleet has been built and 
fitted in the wilderness,where there are no agents and 
chandler's shops and founderies, &,c. &c. to supply 
our wants, but every thing is to be created ; and yet 
1 shall not decline a comparison of what has been 
done here, with anything done on the Atlantic, in the 
building or equipment of vessels. The Guerriere , 
for instance, has been building and fitting upwards of 
twelve months in the city of Philadelphia, and is not 
now ready. The President frigate went into the na¬ 
vy yard at New York for some partial repairs, a few 
days after the keel of the Superior was laid : since 
then two frigates of a large class, and two sloops of 
the largest class, have been built and fitted here, and 
have sailed before the President is ready for sea, al¬ 
though every article of their armament and rigging 
has been transported from New York in despite of ob¬ 
stacles almost insurmountable. I will go farther, sir, 
for it is due to the unremitted and unsurpassed exer- 


280 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tions of those who have served the public under my 
command, and will challenge the world to produce a 
parallel instance, in which the same number of vessels 
of such dimensions have been built and fitted in the 
same time by the same number of workmen. 

I confess that I am mortified in not having succeed¬ 
ed in satisfying the expectations of the public ; but it 
would be infinitely more painful, could I find any want 
of zeal or exertion in my endeavors to serve them, to 
which I could in any degree impute their disappoint¬ 
ment. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with 

the utmost respect, your most obed’t 

and very humble servant, 

Hon. William Jones, ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

Secr’y of the navy. 


LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO SECRETARY OF THE 
NAVY. 

United States Ship Superior off the Ducks , 

Sir, October 2, 1814 

Having a very commanding breeze yesterday, 1 
sent the Lady of the Lake into Kingston to reconni- 
tre. She stood close in with the forts and shipping, 
keeping just within the range of their shot, and had a 
fair view. The ships lay in the same position as on 
the 29th ult. and the large ship still without her sails 
bent—no visible preparations to embark troops. I 
shall watch them in this position as long as possible 
without endangering the fleet. 

I have the honor &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 


TESTIMONIES OF RESPECT. 

On Saturday, Sept. 5, 1812, in pursuance to previ¬ 
ous arrangements, a public entertainment at Faneuil 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


281 


Hall was given to Capt. Hull, in celebration of the 
achievement of the Constitution frigate in the de¬ 
struction of the British frigate Guerriere. An unu¬ 
sual assembly of the citizens, amounting to nearly six 
hundred, without distinction of party, were present 
on the occasion. Among the distinguished guests, 
were the officers of Com. Rodger’s squadron [the 
commodore was too much indisposed to attend]. Brig. 
Gen. Boyd and staff, Judge Benson of New York, 
and many gentlemen from the southward. 

At an early hour in the morning, State-street, and the 
way in continuation quite down to the end of Long 
wharf, off which the squadron was lying at anchor, 
was beautifully decorated by a display of flags, from 
the tops and windows of the buildings on both sides, 
and from the masts of vessels. 

At 3 o’clock the procession was formed at the Ex¬ 
change Coffee House, and went from thence, preceded 
by an excellent hand of music, to the hall of entertain¬ 
ment. The Hon. John C. Jones, president of the day, 
with Capt. Hull on his right and immediately follow¬ 
ed by six vice-presidents, formed the head of the pro¬ 
cession on its way to the hall. The concourse of citi¬ 
zens in the streets, through which the procession mov¬ 
ed, notwithstanding the unpleasant wetness of the day 
was larger than known on almost any other occasion. 
These gave three cheers as the procession passed down 
State Street. The decorations of the hall which were 
conducted by Col. Henry Sargeant, were in the high¬ 
est degree brilliant and appropriate. All the arrange¬ 
ments of the day were splendid and elegant, and such 
as did great credit to the committees by whom they 
were superintended. So large and respectable a con¬ 
vention of citizens of different political sentiments hav¬ 
ing mingled together indiscriminately in celebration 
of an achievement so honourable to their country, was 
indeed a most interesting spectacle ; and in the highest 
degree honourable to the town of Boston. 

The citizens of Philadelphia presented to Capt. 
Hull a large and elegant piece of plate, on which was 
36 


282 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


the following inscription : The citizens of Philadel¬ 
phia,at a meeting convened on the v of Sept, mdcccxii, 
voted this urn , to be presented in their name to Cap¬ 
tain Isaac Hull , commander of the United States 
frigate Constitution , as a testimony of their sense 
of his distinguished gallantry and conduct in bring¬ 
ing to action and subduing the British frigate Guer - 
riere , on the xix day of August , mdcccxii, and of 
the eminent service he has rendered to his country , by 
achieving , in the first naval conflict of the tear, a 
most signal and decisive victory over a foe , that had , 
till then , challenged an unrivalled superiority on 
the ocean , and thus establishing the claim of our navy 
to the affection and confidence of the nation. 

Engraved by TV. Hooker. 

They also gave a handsome piece of plate to C. 
Morris, lieutenant. 

The national legislature voted $50,000 and their 
thanks to Capt. Hull, officers and crew; also, to 
Capt. Hull a gold medal, and to each of the officers 
silver medals, with appropriate devices. 

The order of Cincinnati admitted Capt. Hull an 
honorary member of their society. 

The legislatures of New York and Massachusetts 
voted their thanks to Capt. Hull, officers and crew. 

The common council of the city of New-York 
gave a public dinner, and the freedom of the city, 
in a gold box, to Capt. Hull ; and their thanks to the 
officers and crew. The citizens of New York also 
gave a public dinner to Capt. Huli. 

The councils of Albany voted the freedom of the city 
to Capt. Hull, and thanks to officers and crew. 

The councils of Savannah voted their thanks to 
Capt. Hull, officers and crew. 

The citizens of Charleston S. C. presented to Capt. 
Hull a handsome piece of plate. 

The citizens of Portland presented to Lieut. Wads¬ 
worth, a native of that place, a handsome sword with 
suitable devices, in testimony of their high sense of 
his gallantry in the action with the Guerriere. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


283 


The legislature of Virginia presented to Lieut. 
Morgan and Midshipman Tayloe, natives of that state, 
a valuable sword each, in honor of their valor in 
the same action. 


Congress voted $25,000 and their thanks to Capt. 
Jacob Jones, officers and crew of the Wasp, also a 
gold medal to Capt. Jones, and silver medals to each 
of the officers, in testimony of their high sense of the 
gallantry displayed by them in the capture of the Brit¬ 
ish sloop Frolic. 

The legislature of Deleware presented to Capt. 
Jones,a native of that state,a rich piece of plate,in tes¬ 
timony of their gratitude for his services in the cause 
of his country. The plate was designed and execu¬ 
ted by Fletcher and Gardiner of Philadelphia, and 
cost $500. 

The citizens of Philadelphia gave a sword, an ele¬ 
gant silver urn, and a public dinner to Capt. Jones, 
and a sword to each of the lieutenants. 

The legislature of Pennsylvania gave a handsome 
sword to Lieut. Biddle. 

The common council of New York gave an elegant 
sword and the freedom of the city to Capt. Jones, and 
also a public dinner and thanks to the officers and 
crew 7 —The citizens of New York also gave a public 
dinner. 

The order of Cincinnati at New York admitted Capt. 
Jones as a member. 

The legislatures of New York and Massachusetts, 
and the councils of Savannah voted their thanks to 
Capt. Jones, officers and crew. 


The national legislature voted their thanks to Com. 
Decatur,officers and crew of the frigate United States , 
also a gold medal to Com. Decatur, and silver medals 
to each of the officers, in honor of the brilliant victo- 




284 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ry gained by the frigate United States over the Brit¬ 
ish frigate Macedonian. 

The legislatures of New York, Pennsylvania, and 
Massachusetts, and the councils of New London and 
Savannah voted their thanks to Com. Decatur, officers 
and crew. 

A splendid ball and entertainment were given to 
Com. Decatur and officers on their arrival at New 
London. 

The common council of New York voted a public 
dinner and the freedom of the city in a gold box to 
Com. Decatur, that his portrait be procured and set 
up in the gallery of portraits belonging to the city, 
and that thanks be given to the commodore, officers 
and crew. 

A ball was given to Com. Decatur at the city Ho¬ 
tel, New York, on the 2d of January 1813. The dec¬ 
orations of the hall surpassed any thing of the kind ev¬ 
er before witnessed in this country. 

On the 7th of January 1813, in pursuance to ar¬ 
rangements made by the corporation of the city of 
New York, a dinner was given at the city Hotel, to 
the crew of the frigate United States , who had so no¬ 
bly supported the character of American seamen in 
the late engagement with the British frigate Macedo¬ 
nian. The assembly room was decorated precisely 
in the same style as at the previous naval entertain¬ 
ment, with this difference, that the reservoir in which 
floated the miniature frigate, instead of containing wa¬ 
ter, was filled with grog. 

The crew were landed at New Slip precisely at 2 
o'clock, and marched in good order to the city Hotel, 
through Pearl-street, Wall-street, and Broadway, 
preceded by a band of music, amid the loud and reit¬ 
erated huzzas of their fellow citizens. 

On their arrival at the hotel, they were ushered into 
the room by the committe of the corporation, and 
took their seats with perfect regularity at the call of 
the boatswain's whistle, whilst the band struck up the 
inspiring tune of Yankee Doodle. After which a 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


285 


handsome address was delivered by Alderman Vander¬ 
bilt. To which the boatswain replied nearly in the 
following words : 

“In behalf of my shipmates, I return our sincere 
thanks to the corporation of the city of New York, 
for the honor which they have this day done us. Rest 
assured, that it will be always our wish to deserve the 
good opinion of our countrymen.” 

When the boatswain had finished this reply, his 
shipmates, in token of their approbation, made the 
room ring with three hearty cheers. 

At this moment the transparent paintings, exhibiting 
our three glorious naval victories, were suddenly dis¬ 
played by the dropping of the canvas, which before 
had concealed them. It is impossible for pen to des¬ 
cribe the effect which it had upon the minds of the as¬ 
tonished sailors : their admiration was expressed by 
repeated huzzas, and enthusiastic acclamations. Si¬ 
lence was in a few minutes restored by the boatswain’s 
whistle, when the whole crew, to the number of 400 
and upwards, commenced their attack upon an excel¬ 
lent dinner, which was soon demolished, and in such a 
manner as left no room to doubt, “that they could have 
done much more , if more had been required .” 

After dinner the boatswain piped for silence, when 
the president gave the following toast: 

“ American ships all over the ocean.” 

Com. Decatur and his first lieutenant, Mr. Allen, 
shortly after entered the room, and were received by 
the seamen in a manner that evinced the affection and 
delight with which they beheld their brave command¬ 
er. After remaining a few minutes, the commodore 
gave as a toast, 

“ Free trade and no impressment .” 

After the commodore retired, a variety of volun¬ 
teer toasts were given by different seamen, in a true 
nautical style, and at 6 o’clock the company, obedient 
to the boatswain’s call, adjourned to the theatre, with¬ 
out having been guilty of unseamen-like conduct, or 
a single excess, and perfectly satisfied with the atten¬ 
tion that had been shown them. 


286 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


The jolly tars marched in regular procession to the 
theatre, in compliance with an invitation from the 
managers. The front of the theatre was illuminated, 
and exhibited a transparency of the engagement be¬ 
tween the United States and Macedonian. The house 
was more crowded than was ever before known. The 
pit was entirely occupied by the gallant crew of the 
frigate United States , who behaved through the even¬ 
ing with the utmost decorum. 

The citizens of New York and Philadelphia gave a 
public dinner to the commander and officers of the 
frigate United States. 

The citizens of Philadelphia presented to Com' De¬ 
catur a sword of solid gold, 36 inches in length, and 
weighing 21 oz. lOpwts. it cost $700. 

The legislature of Virginia presented swords to 
Com. Decatur, Lieut. W. H. Allen, and Lieut. J. B. 
Nicholson. 

The United States frigate Constitution, Com. Bain- 
bridge, after the destruction of the British frigate 
Jam,arrived at Boston on the 18th of February 1813. 
On the following Thursday at 12 o'clock, Com. Bain- 
bridge landed at the long wharf from the frigate Con¬ 
stitution , amidst loud acclamations, and roaring of 
cannon from the shore. All the way from the end of 
the pier to the Exchange Coffee House was decora¬ 
ted with colors and streamers. In State-street they 
were strung across from the opposite buildings, while 
the windows and balconies of the houses were filled 
with ladies, and the tops of the houses were covered 
with spectators, and an immense crowd filled the 
streets, so as to render it difficult for the military escort 
to march. The commodore was distinguished by his 
noble figure, and his walking uncovered. On his 
right hand was the veteran, Com. Rodgers, and on 
his left, Brig. Gen. Welles ; then followed the brave 
Capt. Hull, Col. Blake, and a number of officers and 
citizens ; but the crowd was so immense that it was 
difficult to keep the order of procession. The band 
of music in the balcony of the State Bank, and the 
music of the New-England Guards had a fine effect. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


287 


DINNER IN HONOR OF COM. BAINBRIDGE. 

On the 2d of March a splendid public dinner was 
given in the Exchange Coffee House, Boston, to Com. 
Bainbridge and the officers of the United States frig¬ 
ate Constitution for their gallant achievement in the 
capture of the British first-rate frigate Java ;—to 
which Com. Rodgers, Capts. Hull and Smith, find 
the officers of the squadron then in port were invited. 
The procession was formed in Fanueil Hall, by Maj. 
Tilden, and was escorted, amidst the applauses of the 
citizens,to the Coffee House, by a battalion, composed 
of the Boston Light Infantry and the Winslow Blues, 
commanded by Col. Sargeant. The hall was com¬ 
pletely filled. The Hon. Christopher Core presided. 
The Hon. Harrison G. Otis, Hon. Israel Thorndike, 
Arnold Welles Esq. Thomas L. Winthrop Esq. Hon. 
Peter C. Brooks, and William Sullivan Esq. assisted 
as Vice Presidents. 

The entertainment was sumptuous, and the style in 
which it was got up did credit to Mr. Jones, who pro¬ 
vided it. 

Before sitting down to table the blessing of Al¬ 
mighty God was asked in a most impressive manner 
by the Rev. M. Holley. 

After thanks were returned, the Hon. Mr. Gore ad¬ 
dressed the gentleman present on the occasion in a 
very elegant and impressive manner. See page 29. 


Monday the 8th of March was appointed by the city 
council of Charleston S. C. as a day of general festival 
and joy in honor of our splendid naval victories. It 
was ushered in by the ringing of bells and firing of can¬ 
non &c : all business was suspended. At 3 o'clock a 
grand procession was formed. Banners, exhibiting 
the names of our most eminent statesmen and naval 
officers were borne by the most distinguished citizens. 
About 600 sat down to a splendid entertainment. 
The room was suitably decorated for the occasion. 



288 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Back of the president’s chair was a colossal bust of 
Washington, decorated with flags; and festoons of 
stars and stripes connected the pillars that support the 
ceiling. At the bottom of the hall was a transparen¬ 
cy, on which was inscribed, “ The defenders of the 
Constitution”—“Bain.” the remainder was sup¬ 
plied by the representation of a bridge, at the end of 
which was represented the Hull of a ship. Direct¬ 
ly under the transparency was an elegant painting, 
from the pencil of John B. White Esduire. 

In the evening the city was illuminated. Many of 
the houses were adorned with beautiful transparen¬ 
cies. 

The congress of the United States voted $50,000 
and their thanks to Com. Bainbridge, officers and crew, 
also a gold medal to Com. Bainbridge, and silver 
medals to each of the officers of the Constitution , 
with suitable devices. 

The corporation of the city of New York bestowed 
upon Com. Bainbridge the freedom of the city, ac¬ 
companied with a gold box. 

The citizens of Philidelphia subscribed an elegant 
piece of plate to Com. Bainbridge. 

The legislature of New York and Massachusetts 
voted their thanks to Com. Bainbridge, officers and 
crew. The resolve of the legislature of Massachu¬ 
setts was as follows : “ That Commodores Bainbridge 
and Decatur, Captains Hull and Jones of the U. S. 
navy, their officers and crews, in the splendid victories 
by them obtained over the British ships of war, the 
Java, Macedonian , Guerriere , and Frolic , and in 
their generous conduct to their captured enemies,have 
acquired for themselves a distinguished title to that 
consideration and applause of their fellow citizens, 
which is due to an heroic and able discharge of duty, 
and which is the legitimate reward of the brave man, 
who devotes his life to the services of his country.” 

The crew of the Constitution frigate were treated 
with a theatrical entertainment on the evening of the 
9th of April. The brave fellows enjoyed it with 


NAVAL MONUMENT, 


289 


great glee. They marched to the theatre in regular 
order and returned in the same manner to the ship, as 
their chosen home. They behaved with great decency 
and decorum. The stage box was filled with the na¬ 
vy officers, Rodgers, Bainbridge, Smith , and their 
lieutenants. Com. Bainbridge addressed the crew, 
previous to their leaving the ship, in the following 
terms. 

“ Sailors , in the action with the Java you have 
shown yourselves men. You are this evening invited 
to partake of the amusements of the theatre ; conduct 
yourselves well. Suffer me not to experience any 
mortification from any disorderly conduct on your 
part. Let the correctness of your conduct equal your 
bravery, and I shall have additional cause to speak 
of you in terms of approbation.” 

The honest tars replied — 

“Commodore, we will put out of the pit the first 
man that misbehaves.” 

The pit was never more orderly than when it was 
filled with the sailors and marines of the Constitution. 
The neatness of their dress, (blue jackets, scarlet 
waistcoats, new-neck-handkerchiefs, and glazed hats) 
was a pleasing sight. The marines were extremely 
neat, and conducted themselves with the silence and 
composure of officers. Our citizens saw with delight, 
what discipline and self-respect could produce upon 
the hardy sons of the ocean. 

At Portland a public dinner was given to Com. 
Bainbridge. 

The citizens of Georgetown, Col. gave a public 
entertainment to Com. Bainbridge. Among the 
guests were Capt. Morris, and Lieutenants M’Call 
and Forrest. 

Com. Bainbridge was received at Philadelphia with 
a military escort amidst the acclamations of the cit¬ 
izens. 

In April our naval victories were splendidly cele¬ 
brated at the city of Washington. Upwards of 200 
gentlemen of the first distinction partook of an ele- 
37 


290 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


gant entertainment, at which a number of patriotic 
toasts were drank, accompanied by music and dis¬ 
charge of artillery. 

The congress of the United States passed a resolu¬ 
tion, “ That the president be requested to present to 
the nearest male relative of Capt. James Lawrence a 
gold medal, and a silver medal to each of the commis¬ 
sioned officers who served under him in the sloop of 
war Hornet , in her conflict with the British vessel of 
war Peacock , in testimony of the high sense enter¬ 
tained by congress, of the gallantry and good conduct 
of the officers and crew in the capture of that vessel; 
and that the president be also requested to communi¬ 
cate to the nearest relative of Capt. Lawrence, the 
sense which congress entertains of the loss the naval 
service of the United States has sustained in the death 
of that distinguished officer.” 

The crew of the Hornet were treated with a dinner 
and a seat at the theatre by the corporation of New 
York, in honor of their good conduct in the battle with 
the Peacock. 

The citizens of Philadelphia subscribed a rich and 
beautiful piece of plate for the lamented Capt. Law¬ 
rence. He did not live to receive this token of res¬ 
pect and affection. It was however finished and pre¬ 
sented to Mrs. Lawrence. 

The following is the answer of Mrs. Lawrence, to 
a respectful note, addressed to her from a committee 
of the citizens of Philadelphia. 

Gentlemen , Neiv York , Jan. 16, 1816. 

Your letter, accompanying “ tw o elegant pieces of 
plate, intended to commemorate the capture of the 
sloop of war Peacock by the American sloop Hornet , 
under Capt. Lawrence's command," has been re¬ 
ceived. 

From the enlightened citizens of Philadelphia, cel¬ 
ebrated for their patriotism, this testimony of respect 
for the services of my lamented husband is peculiarly 
grateful ; and as the applause of his fellow citizens 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


291 


was the most acceptable reward he could, while living, 
receive ; so it is the greatest consolation which my 
widowed heart is capable of enjoying, that his memo¬ 
ry is thought worthy of being cherished with esteem 
by those for whose rights he offered up his life. 

Accept, I pray you, gentlemen for yourselves, and 
be pleased to communicate to those on whose behalf 
you act, my sincere thanks and respectful considera¬ 
tion. Your obedient servant, 

JULIA LAWRENCE. 
George Harrison, and 
Da niel William Cox, Esq’rs. 

Committee in behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia. 

The congress of the United States presented to the 
nearest male relative of Lieut. William Burrows and 
to Lieut. M’Call of the brig Enterprize, a gold med¬ 
al, with suitable emblems and devices, and a silver 
medal to each of the commissioned officers, in honor 
of their gallantry and good conduct in the conflict with 
the Boxer. 

The citizens of Portland gave a dinner to the crew 
of the Enterprize in honor of their bravery in captur¬ 
ing the Boxer. 

An entertainment was given at Baltimore to Lieut. 
M’Call on whom the command of the Enterprize de¬ 
volved, after the death of Lieut. Burrows. Among 
the guests invited, were Capts. Ridgley and Spence, 
of the United States sloops Erie and Ontario. 

The legislature of South Carolina presented a sword 
to Lieut. M’Call, as a mark of respect entertained by 
his native state for his distinguished gallantry and good 
conduct in the battle with the Boxer. They also voted 
a sword to Lieut. Tillinghast, a native of that state, 
in honor of the good conduct he exhibited in the same 
engagement. Also the citizens of Columbia, S. C. 
the native place of Lieut. Tillinghast, presented to 
him an elegant sword. 

Matthew L. Davis Esq. of New York, passing 
through Portland on a tour to the eastward, acciden- 


292 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tally took a walk into the burying ground. His atten¬ 
tion was attracted to the neglected grave of the late 
Lieut. Burrows. The only guide to the spot, where 
are deposited the remains of one who deserved so much 
of his country, was the tomb stone of his deceased 
competitor, Capt. Blythe. This was erected two years 
since by the surviving officers of the Boxer. Mr. Da¬ 
vis immediately gave orders for an elegant marble 
monument to be erected over the grave of Burrows, to 
be finished by his return, and without sparing labour 
or expense. It was soon completed and put up. Its 
style of execution does much credit to the ingenious 
artist, Mr. Bartlett Adams of Portland. The inscrip¬ 
tion is highly creditable to the taste, judgment and 
modesty of the generous donor, and worthy the hero, 
whom it is designed to commemorate. 

The congress of the United States voted their thanks 
to Com. Perry, and through him to the officers, petty 
officers, seamen, marines, and infantry, serving as such, 
attached to the squadron under his command, for the 
decisive and glorious victory of Lake Erie, also gold 
medals to Com. Perry and Lieut. J. D. Elliott, and sil¬ 
ver medals with suitable devices, to each of the com¬ 
missioned officers, either of the navy or army, serving 
on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and 
sailing masters, who so nobly distinguished themselves 
on that memorable day ; also, a silver medal to the 
nearest male relative of Lieut. John Brooks, of the 
marines, a sword to the nearest male relative of Mid¬ 
shipmen Henry Laub, Thomas Claxton, jr. and John 
Clark, and three month’s extra pay to all the petty 
officers, seamen marines, and infantry, who were in 
the engagement. 

A splendid public dinner was given by the citizens 
of Boston to Com. Perry. The company assembled 
in the Senate Chamber of the State house, from 
whence the whole proceeded to the Exchange Coffee 
House. 

The dinner was served up in Mr. Jones’ best style, 
and the hall was very elegantly and appropriately de- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


293 


corated. After dinner appropriate toasts, occasional¬ 
ly relieved by songs sung by Messrs. Stebbins and 
Messinger, were drank amidst cheers of applause, and 
followed by airs from a full band of musick. 

Com. Perry was received with the greatest respect 
by the citizens of Albany. The common council voted 
him the freedom of the city in a gold case, with an el¬ 
egant sword. 

The legislature of Pennsylvania voted their thanks 
to Com. Perry with a gold medal; to Lieut. Elliott 
their thanks, with a like medal; and to those citizens 
of Pennsylvania, who volunteered their services, a sil¬ 
ver medal of the weight of two dollars, with each per¬ 
son’s name subscribed thereon. 

A splendid entertainment was given to Com. Perry 
at Tammany Hall, New York. 

An entertainment was given to Com. Perry at Bar¬ 
ney’s “ Fountain Inn,” Baltimore. The room was 
decorated with elegant transparent paintings, repre¬ 
senting the battle of Lake Erie, and exhibiting the 
names of our naval heroes, &c. 

The cities of Hudson, N. Y. Philadelphia, Rich¬ 
mond and Charleston, S. C. were splendidly illumin¬ 
ated in honor of Perry’s victory. 

The citizens of Newport R. I. presented to Com. 
Perry, a native of that place, a rich piece of plate of 
the value of $700. 

The legislature of South Carolina gave an elegant 
sword to Lieut. Thomas Holdup, for his gallantry in 
the battle of Lake Erie. 

The citizens of Boston presented to Com. Perry a 
service of plate, consisting of nearly forty pieces, which 
cost $1600. 

A piece of plate of the value of $300 was subscrib¬ 
ed for Com. Perry by the citizens of Fredicksburgh,Va. 

The citizens of Philadelphia and Savannah presen¬ 
ted to Com. Perry a handsome sword, with appropri¬ 
ate engravings. 

The Congress of the United States resolved, that 
their thanks be presented to Com. Macdonough, and 


294 


NATAL MONUMENT. 


through him to the officers, petty officers, seamen, 
marines, and infantry serving as marines, attached to 
the squadron under his command, for the decisive and 
splendid victory gained on Lake Champlain ; that gold 
medals be struck, emblematical of the actions between 
the two squadrons, and presented to Com. Macdo- 
nough, Capt. Robert Henley, and Lieut. Stephen 
Cassin ; that silver medals, with appropriate devices 
be bestowed on each of the commissioned officers of 
the navy and army, who were in the engagement, and 
a sword on each midshipman and sailing master. A 
silver medal was also voted to the nearest male rela¬ 
tive of Lieut. Peter Gamble and Lieut. John Stans- 
bury, who fell in the action. 

The legislature of New York gave to Com. Macdo- 
nough a thousand acres of land. 

The legislature of Vermont gave to Com. Macdo- 
nough a tract of land adjoining Lake Champlain, from 
which may be seen that part of the lake where the bat¬ 
tle was fought. 

The common council of New York presented to 
Com. Macdonough the freedom of the city in a gold 
box, and their thanks to his officers and crew. Thev 
also requested of the commodore his portrait to be 
placed in the gallery of paintings. 

The citizens of Plattsburg gave a public dinner to 
Com. Macdonough. 

The citizens of Salem gave a public entertainment 
to Capt. Charles Stewart, of the frigate Constitution. 
The officers of the frigate were among the guests. 
Every thing was conducted in an elegant style. Com. 
Rodgers and our naval victors were honorably com¬ 
plimented, and the lamented dead, Lawrence, Bur¬ 
rows, Alwyn, and Budd were not forgotten. 

Capt. Porter, on his return from the Western ocean, 
landed at New York, where he was received with en¬ 
thusiasm. . The people took the horses from his car¬ 
riage, and, amidst the shouts of thousands, hauled him 
to his lodgings. 

A part of the crew, late of the Essex , received a 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


29.5 


public entertainment at Tammany Hall, New York. 
Some of the wounded attended the procession in car¬ 
riages. Their whole number was 1S4. The toasts of 
these men show their love to their country and to their 
commander. 

Capt. Porter was received at Philadelphia by tens 
of thousands. He entered the city in a carriage with 
the mayor, preceded and followed by an immense caval¬ 
cade of officers, civil and military, and citizens of all 
ranks. The streets were hung with stripes and stars. 
When the crowd arrived opposite Christ's Church in 
Second-street, it was met by a large body of respec¬ 
table seamen, who fastened another rope to the car¬ 
riage in which the people were hauling the gallant cap¬ 
tain ; (for long before they had unharnessed the horses) 
and the whole moved through the city with continu¬ 
al shouts. When they arrived at the mansion house 
hotel, the sailors took him on their shoulders and car¬ 
ried him in with huzzas. 

Congress voted their thanks to Capt. Lewis War¬ 
rington, officers and crew of the Peacock , for the skill 
and bravery displayed in the capture of the Epervier. 
They also gave to Capt. Warrington a gold medal with 
emblematic devices : to each of the commissioned offi¬ 
cers, a silver medal, with like devices, and to each of 
the midshipmen and sailing masters a sword. 

The president of the United States, at the request 
of congress presented to Capt. Johnston Blakeley of 
the sloop-of-war JJ asp,a gold medal with suitable devi¬ 
ces.and a silver medal, with like devices,to each of the 
commissioned officers ; and also a sword to each of the 
midshipmen and sailing masters of that vessel,in tes¬ 
timony of the high sense entertained by the legislature 
of the nation, of their gallantry and good conduct 
in the action with the British sloop of war Reindeer. 

A public dinner was given to Capt. Biddle of the 
sloop-of-war Hornet, at Tammany Hall, New York. 
The company was numerous, the guests distinguish¬ 
ed. and the toasts American. 

The congress of the United States passed a resolu- 


296 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


tion expressive of the high sense entertained by that 
body of the gallantry and good conduct of Com. 
Daniel T. Patterson and Maj. D. Carmick, and of the 
officers, seamen, and marines under their ^command, 
in the defence of New Orleans. 

The corporation of New York voted the freedom 
of that city in a golden box, to Capt. Charles Stewart, 
of the frigate Constitution , for his gallantry and nau¬ 
tical skill displayed in the capture of the British ships 
Cyane and Levant ; and also the thanks of the cor¬ 
poration to the officers and crew of the frigate for the 
brave manner in which they engaged, fought and con¬ 
quered on that occasion. 

The Constitution , when entering Boston harbour, 
fired a salute, which was immediately returned from 
Fort Independence. On anchoring, this glorious ves¬ 
sel was welcomed to her native place by federal sa¬ 
lutes from the Washington Artillery, and a company 
of citizens. Capt. Stewart then left the ship in his 
barge, accompanied by several officers belonging to 
the squadron under a salute; and was received at 
Long Wharf, by his assembled fellow citizens, with 
repeated huzzas, and other hearty demonstrations of 
gratitude and respect. The officers of the Boston 
brigade, being that day on duty, proceeded in a body 
to the place of landing, and through their commander, 
Gen. Welles, paid their respects and congratulations 
to their gallant and meritorious fellow countrymen. 
An escort,composed of the Boston Fusiliers and Win¬ 
slow Blues, under Capt. Fairbanks, conducted Capt. 
Stewart, and the other officers of the ship, to the Ex¬ 
change Coffee House,amidst the repeated cheers of the 
citizens of both sexes, who filled the streets, wharves and 
vessels, and occupied the houses. The procession 
was closed by a large number of citizens. A repast 
was provided at the Coffee House, (where Capt. Stew¬ 
art received the congratulations of a great number of 
citizens and strangers) during which a full band of 
music played national airs and marches ; and the 
ships, wharves, and State-street were beautifully dec¬ 
orated with the colors of all nations. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


297 


WAR WITH ALGIERS. 

This war was declared on the 2d of March, 1815, 
and was brought to an honorable termination in the 
short space of four months. We have room to in¬ 
sert only the following documents relative to it. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE SECRETA¬ 
RY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Shij) Guerriere , Bay of Tunis , 
Sir, July 31, 1815. 

I have the honor to inform you, that upon my arri¬ 
val at this anchorage, I was made acquainted with the 
following transactions, which had taken place here 
during our late war with Great Britain. 

Two prizes, which had been taken by the Aboellino 
privateer, and sent into this port, were taken posession 
of by a British vessel of war while lying within the 
protection of the Bey of Tunis. The consul having 
communicated to me information of this violation of 
our treaty with Tunis, I demanded satisfaction of the 
Bey. After some hesitation, and proposing a delay 
of payment for one year, my demand was acceded to, 
and the money amounting to $46,000, was paid into 
the hands of the consul, Mr. Noah, agent for the pri¬ 
vateer. 

I shall proceed immediately for Tripoli, and will 
give you early information of the further proceedings 
of this squadron. The Bey of Tunis has now lying 
in this harbour, nearly ready for sea, three frigates and 
several small vessels of war. 

I have the honor to be, 

with great respect, sir, your obe’t serv’t, 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 

Hon. B. W. Crowninshield. 

Secretary of the navy. 


38 


298 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Guerriere, Messina , Aug. 13, 1815 

I have the honor to inform you, that immediately 
after the date of my last communication I proceeded 
to Tripoli. Upon my arrival off that place, I received 
from our consul a letter; in consequence of the in¬ 
formation contained in this letter, I deemed it neces¬ 
sary to demand justice from the Bashaw. On the next 
day the governor of the city of Tripoli came on 
board the Guerriere , to treat in behalf of the Bashaw. 
He objected to the amount claimed by us, but finally 
agreed to our demands. The money, amounting to 
the sum of $25,000, has been paid into the hands of 
the consul, who is agent for the privateer. 

The Bashaw also delivered up to me ten cap¬ 
tives, two of them Danes, and the others Neapoli¬ 
tans. 

During the progress of our negotiations with the 
states of Barbary, now brought to a conclusion, there 
has appeared a disposition on the part of each of them, 
to grant as far as we were disposed to demand. 

I trust that the succesful result of our small ex¬ 
pedition, so honorable to our country, will induce 
other nations to follow the example; in which case 
the Barbary states will be compelled to abandon 
their piratical system. 

I shall now proceed with the squadron to Cartha- 
gena, at which place I hope to find the relief squadron 
from America. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. BATNBRIDGE TO THE SEC¬ 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Independence, off the Bay of Tunis, 

September 6, 1815. 

I had the honor of making communications to you 
from Carthagena on the 10th ultimo, from which place 
I sailed with the Independance, Congress, Erie, Chip- 
peica, and Spark, destined for Tripoli, having learned 
that a misunderstanding existed between the Bashaw 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


299 


of that place, and our consul residing there. On my 
way I called at Algiers to exhibit this additional force 
off there, presuming it would have some weight in pre¬ 
serving the peace which had just been made; for the 
only mode of convincing these people is by occular 
demonstration. 

On my arrival off Tripoli, I learned that Com. De- 
cature had been there with the first squadron, and had 
adjusted our differences, which existed at that place. 
Our consul at Tripoli informed me,that the exhibiting 
of our naval force before Trpoli had produced a most 
favorable change in the disposition of the Bashaw for 
preserving the peace with us. 

At Tripoli, learning that the Bey of Tunis was rest¬ 
less towards the United States, I immediately pro¬ 
ceeded with the vessels with me for that place. 

On my arrival at Tunis, I learned by a letter from 
our consul there, that the Bey and his officers were 
friendly disposed towards us. 

Having agreeably to your instructions, exhibited the 
force under my command to all the Barbary powers, 
(and which I believe, will have a tendancy to prolong 
our treaties with them,) I have only now, in further 
obedience to those instructions, to return with the 
squadron to the United States. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. 

V. S. Ship Independance, Malaga, 

September 14,1815. 

I arrived here yesterday, under the expectation of 
meeting here the first squadron; but to my regret, Com. 
Decatur has not yet come down the Mediterranean, 
and where the squadron with him is I know not; for 
the last I learned of them was off Tripoli, which 
place they left on the 9th ultimo. 

As the squadron has to return this autumn, in pursu¬ 
ance of your orders, it is very desirable that it should 
leave this sea as soon as possible, to avoid the inclem¬ 
ency of the winter on our coast, particularly on ac¬ 
count of the smaller vessels. The Independence, 


300 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


Congress Boxer , Saranac, Chippewa, and Spark are 
here; the Erie I expect every hour from Malta, 
where, I had sent her; the Torch and Lynx are at 
Carthagena. All these vessels will be prepared imme¬ 
diately to return ; but they cannot sail till the other 
squadron has joined us. 

Copy af a letter from Com. Decatur to his excellen¬ 
cy the Marquis Cercello, Secretary of State and 
Minister of Foreign affairs to his Majesty the King 
of Naples. 

Sir, U. S. Ship Guerriere, Naples, Sept. 8 , 1815. 

I have the honor to inform your excellency, that 
in my late negociation with the Bashaw of Tripoli, I 
demanded and obtained the release of eight Neapoli¬ 
tan captives, subjects of his majesty the king of the 
two Sicilies. These I have landed at Mesina. It 
affords me great pleasure to have had it in my power, 
by this small service, to evince to his majesty the 
grateful sense entertained by our government of the 
aid formerly rendered to us by his majesty, during our 
war with Tripoli. 

With great respect and consideration, I have the 
honor to be your excellency’s most obedient servant, 
STEPHEN DECATUR. 

His Excellency the Marquis Cercello , 

Secretary of State, tyc. fyc. 

Sir, Naples, Sept. 12, 1815. 

Having laid before the king my master, the paper 
which you have directed me, dated the 8th inst. in 
which you were pleased to acquaint me, that in your 
last negociation with the Bey of Tripoli, you had freed 
from the slavery of that Regency eight subjects of his 
majesty, whom you had also set on shore at Mesina; 
his majesty has ordered me to acknowledge this pecu¬ 
liar favor, as the act of your generosity, which you 
have been pleased to call a return for the trifling assis¬ 
tance which the squadron of your nation formerly re¬ 
ceived from his royal government during the war with 
Tripoli. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


301 


In doing myself the pleasure of manifesting this 
sentiment of my king, and of assuring you in his 
name, that the brave American nation will always 
find in his majesty’s ports the best reception—I beg 
you will receive the assurances of my most distinguish¬ 
ed consideration. 

Marquis CERCELLO, 
Secretary of State and Minister of 
Foreign Affairs . 

Com. Decatur, Commander of the 
Squadron of U. S. of America. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER OF THE 
U. S. NAVY. 

Bay of Naples , Sept. 10, 1815. 
This being the first opportunity since we left Al¬ 
giers, I use it. We left Algiers the 8th July, and on 
the 15th arrived at Cagliari, for water and refresh¬ 
ments ; on the 25th sailed for Tunis, and on the fol¬ 
lowing day anchored in the bay, in a fine position. 
The commodore immediately made his compliments to 
the Bey, signifying to him that, as he had permitted 
two brigs, prizes to the United States flag, to betaken 
fiom under his batteries by an English ship of war, 
contrary to the usages of war and civilized nations, 
he having power to resist this violation of this port; 
the purpose of his visit was to demand indemnity for 
this breach of good faith, and he would expect it to 
be sent on board by a given hour on the day named : 
the commodore sent an estimate of the value of the 
prizes, and although there appears to have been great 
consternation,the demand was promptly complied with, 
and the indemnity sent on board ; having accomplish¬ 
ed this service by the 2d of August, we sailed for, and 
on the 5th anchored before Tripoli, where we had a 
similar ceremony to perform, and which was conduc¬ 
ted in the same smooth, cool, decided way without any 
palaver, which would leave room to doubt that we 
should do as we said. The Bey of Tripoli appears 
not to have had so much of the ready at command, 


302 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


but showed equal readiness with his neighbour to com¬ 
ply with the demand : falling short of the indemnity 
required, he signified that there was a Danish family 
in his posession, consisting of nine persons, and two 
other Europeans, whom he was willing to deliver up 
to make good the indemnity demanded ; the commo¬ 
dore did not hesitate a moment, and we had the satis¬ 
faction to see them soon after arrive on board our 
squadron. I need not say how gratifying this cruise 
must be to every American soul: how delightful it 
was to see the stars and stripes holding forth the 
hands of retributive justice to the barbarians, and res¬ 
cuing the unfortunate, even of distant but friendly 
European nations, from slavery. 

On the 10th, we arrived at Syracuse, and on the 
20th at Messina, where we underwent some repairs, 
and on the 2d September arrived at this place. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER ON BOARD 
THE UNITED STATES BRIG ENTERPRIZE. 

“We remained at Malaga about two days, and then 
returned to Gibralter—here we were joined by all 
Com. Decatur’s squadron, excepting his own ship. 
Our fleet now consisted of the Independence, Mace¬ 
donian, United States, Constellation, Congress ( On¬ 
tario, Erie, Enterprize, Chippewa, Saranac, Boxer , 
Firefly, Flambeau, Torch, Spitfire, Spark, and Lynx. 
It was a proud sight for an American to see in a 
British port just at the close of a war with her, which 
the English thought would have been the destruction 
of our navy, a squadron of seventeen sail, larger per¬ 
haps than our whole navy at the commencement of that 
war. At Malaga the governor waited on Com. Bain- 
bridge on board his ship an honor which he had never 
deigned to pay to any admiral before. On our arrival 
at Gibralter the commodore fired a salute of seventeen 
guns, which was returned. 

“You have no idea of the respect which the Amer¬ 
ican character has gained by our late wars. The 
Spaniards especially, think we are devils incarnate : 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


303 


as wc beat the English, who beat the French, who 
beat them, whom nobody ever beat before—and the 
Algerines whom the devil himself could not beat. 

ANECDOTES. 

At the time Decatur arrived in sight of Gibralter, 
a great number of British officers and citizens, and 
among them an American gentleman, were assembled 
on an eminence to view the American fleet. Decatur 
entered the harbour with his squadron in a very hand¬ 
some style ; sailed round, and went out again, with¬ 
out coming to anchor—his object being merely to 
make signals to the sloop of war Ontario. The Brit¬ 
ish officers were very desirous of knowing the different 
names of the vessels of the squadron as they approach¬ 
ed. The shrewd American pretended to know every 
vessel the moment he saw her broadside, and they 
crowded around him for information. The first frig¬ 
ate, he said, was the Guerriere ; the second,the Mace¬ 
donian ; the third, the Java ; the next was the Eper - 
vier ; the next the Peacock ; and the next—“ oh,damn 
the next,” they exclaimed, and immediately moved off, 
highly disgusted with the names of the vessels of the 
Yankee squadron. 

It is said the Dey of Algiers very reluctantly gave 
up all idea of receiving tribute from the Americans, 
and alleged among other things, that other nations, if 
he consented, might take advantage of it, and perhaps 
unite and occasion his destruction. It was not the 
amount or value of the sum he was particular about, 
but the receiving something annually of the Ameri¬ 
cans would add to his security, if it were only a little 
powder. Com. Decatur observed, that he thought it 
very probable, if he insisted upon receiving powder of 
the Americans as tribute, his wishes would be grati¬ 
fied, but he must certainly expect to receive balls with 
it. His Deyship very wisely gave up the point. 

When Com. Decatur’s squadron was before Tunis, 
exacting payment from the Bey, for the restored prizes, 
there were in the harbour 6 Tunisian frigates,6 corvetts 


304 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


and brigs,and 50 gun-boats. Capt. Gordon was em¬ 
ployed to receive the money of the Bey. 

The American Commissioners to the Dey of Algiers. 

The undersigned have the honor to inform his high¬ 
ness, the Dey of Algiers, that they have been appoin¬ 
ted, by the president of the United States of Amer¬ 
ica, commissioners plenipotentiary to treat of peace 
with his highness, and that pursuant to their instruc¬ 
tion, they are ready to open a negotiation for the res¬ 
toration of peace and harmony between the two coun¬ 
tries, on terms just and honorable to both parties ; 
and they feel it incumbant on them to state explicitly 
to his highness, that they are instructed to treat upon no 
other principle than that of perfect equality, and on 
the terms of the most favored nations ; no stipula¬ 
tion for paying any tribute to Algiers, under any form 
whatever will be agreed to. 

The undersigned have the honor to transmit here¬ 
with a letter from the President of the United States, 
and avail themselves of this occasion to assure his 
highness of their high consideration and profound 
respect. 

Documents accompaning the message of the Presi¬ 
dent transmitting to the senate the treaty of 
peace ivith Algiers. 

U. S. Ship Guerriere , Bay of Algiers , 

Sir, July 4, 1815. 

We have the honor to refer you to the official re¬ 
ports of Com. Decatur to the navy department, for 
an account of the operations of this squadron previous 
to our arrival off Algiers on the 28th ultimo. 

Having received information, that the Algerine 
squadron had been at sea for a considerable time lon¬ 
ger than that to which their cruises usually exten¬ 
ded, and that a dispatch boat had been sent from 
Gibraltar to Algiers to inform them of our arrival in 
the Mediterranean, we thought that they might have 
made a harbour where they would be in safety. We 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


305 


therefore, whilst they were in this state of uncertainty, 
believe it a proper moment to deliver the President’s 
letter, agreeably to our instruction. Accordingly, 
on the 20th ult. a flag of truce was hoisted on board 
the Guerriere with the Swedish flag at the main. A 
boat came off about noon with Mr. Norderling, consul 
of Sweden, and the captain of the port who confirmed 
the intelligence we had before received, and to whom 
we communicated information of the capture of their 
frigate and brig. The impression made by these 
events was visible and deep. We were requested by 
the captain of the port (Mr. Norderling declaring he 
was not authorized to act,) to state the conditions on 
which we would make peace, to which we replied, by 
giving the letter of the President to the Dey, and by 
a note from us to him, a copy of which (No. 1) we 
have the honor to transmit herewith. The captain of 
the port then requested that hostilities should cease, 
pending the negotiation, and that persons authorized 
to treat should go on shore, he and Mr. Norderling 
both affirming that the minister of marine had pledged 
himself for our security and return to our ships when 
we pleased. Both these propositions were rejected, 
and they were explicity informed that the negotiation 
must be carried on board the fleet, and that hostilities, 
as far as they respected vessels, could not cease— 
They returned on shore. On the following day the 
same persons returned and informed us, that they 
were commissioned by the Dey to treat with us on the 
proposed basis, and their anxiety appeared extreme to 
conclude the peace immediately. We then brought 
forward the model of a treaty, which we declared 
would not be departed from in substance, at the same 
time declaring, that although the United States would 
never stipulate for paying tribute under any form 
whatever,yet that they were a magnanimous and gener¬ 
ous nation, who would upon the presentation of con¬ 
suls do what was customary with other great nations, 
in their friendly intercourse with Algiers. The treaty 
was then examined and they were of opinion, that it 
39 


306 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


would not be agreed to in its present form, and par¬ 
ticularly requested that the article, requiring the res¬ 
titution of the property they had captured, and which 
had been distributed, might be expunged, alleging that 
such a demand had never before been made upon 
Algiers. To this it was answered, that the claim was 
just, and would be adhered to. They then asked 
whether, if the treaty should be signed by the Dey, 
we would engage to restore the captured vessels, which 
we refused. They then represented that it was not 
the present Dey who had declared the war, which they 
acknowledged to be unjust, conceding that they were 
wholly in the wrong, and had no excuse, and reques¬ 
ted we would take the case of the Dey into consider¬ 
ation, and upon his agreeing to terms with us more 
favorable than had ever before been made with any 
other nation, to restore the ships, which they stated 
would be of little or no value to us, but would be of 
great importance to him, as they would satisfy the 
people with the conditions of the peace we were go¬ 
ing to conclude with him. 

We consulted upon this question, and determined 
that, considering the state of those vessels, the sums 
that would be required to fit them for a passage to the 
United States, and the little probability of selling 
them in this part of the world, we would make a com¬ 
pliment of them to his highness in the state they then 
were, the commodore engaging to furnish them with an 
escort to this port. This however, would depend upon 
their signing the treaty as presented to them, and could 
not appear as an article of it, but must be considered 
as a favor conferred on the Dey by the United States. 

They then requested a truce, to deliberate upon the 
terms of the proposed treaty, which was refused; 
they then pleaded for three hours. The reply was, 
“ not a minute ; if your squadron appears in sightbe- 
fore the treaty is actually signed by the Dey, and the 
prisoners sent off, ours would capture them/’ It was 
finally agreed that hostilities should cease, when we 
perceived their boat coming off with a white flag hois- 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


307 


ted ; Swedish consul pledging his word of honor not 
to hoist it unless the treaty was signed and the 
prisoners in the boat. They returned on shore, and al¬ 
though the distance was full live miles, they came back 
within three hours, with the treaty signed, as we had 
concluded it, and the prisoners. 

During the interval of the absence, a corvette ap¬ 
peared in sight, which would have been captured if 
they had been detained one hour longer. The treaty 
has since been drawn out anew, translated by them, 
and duly executed by the Dey, which we have the hon¬ 
or to transmit herewith. 

Mr.Shaler has since been on shore, and the cotton 
and money mentioned in the fourth article, have been 
given up to him. They now show every disposition to 
maintain a sincere peace with us, which is doubtless 
owing to the dread of our arms ; and we take this oc¬ 
casion to remark, that, in our opinion, the only secure 
guarantee we can have for the maintenance of the 
peace just concluded with those people, is the pres¬ 
ence, in the Mediterranean, of a respectable naval 
force. 

As this treaty appears to us to secure every inter¬ 
est within the contemplation of the government, and as 
it really places the United States on higher ground 
than any other nation, we have no hesitation on our 
part, in fulfiling such of its provisions as are within our 
power, in the firm belief that it will receive the rati¬ 
fication of the President and Senate. 

We have the honor to be, with respect, 

Sir, your obedient servants. 
STEPHEN DECATUR. 
Hon. James Monroe, WILLIAM SHALER. 


308 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


JAMES MADISON. 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

To all and singular to whom these Presents shall 
come.... Greeting: 

WHEREAS a Treaty of Peace and Amity, be¬ 
tween the United States of America and his Highness 
Omar Bashaw, Dey of Algiers, was concluded at Al¬ 
giers on the thirtieth day of June last, by Stephen 
Decatur and William Shaler, citizens of the United 
States, on the part of the United States and the said 
Omar Bashaw, Dey of Algiers, and was duly signed 
and sealed by the said parties, which Treaty is in the 
words following, to wit: 

TREATY of Peace and A i mity, concluded between 

the United States of America and His Highness 

Omar Bashaw , Dey of Algiers. 

Art. 1 . There shall be, from the conclusion of this 
treaty, a firm, inviolable and universal peace and 
friendship between the President and the citizens of 
the United States of America, on the one part, and 
the Dey and Subjects of the Regency of Algiers in 
Barbary on the other, made by the free consent of 
both parties, on the terms of the most favorable na¬ 
tions : and if either party shall hereafter grant to any 
other nation any particular favor or privilege in navi¬ 
gation or commerce, it shall immediately become com¬ 
mon to the other party, freely when it is freely granted 
to such other nations ; but when the grant is condition¬ 
al, it shall be at the option of the contracting parties to 
accept, alter, or reject such conditions, in such manner 
as shall be most conducive to their respective inter¬ 
ests. 

Art. 2. It is distinctly understood between the 
contracting parties, that no tribute, either as biennial 
presents, or under any other form or name whatever, 
shall ever be required by the Dey and Regency of 
Algiers from the United States of America, on any 
pretext whatever. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


309 


Art. 3. The Dey of Algiers shall cause to be im¬ 
mediately delivered up to the American squadron, now 
off Algiers, all the American citizens, now in his pos¬ 
session, amounting to ten, more or less ; and all the 
subjects of the Dey of Algiers, now in possesion of 
the United States, amounting to five hundred, more or 
less, shall be delivered up to him, the United States, 
according to usages of civilized nations, requiring no 
ransom for the excess of prisoners in their favors. 

Art . 4. A just and full compensation shall be made 
by the Dey of Algiers, to such citizens of the United 
States, as have been captured and detained by Alge¬ 
rine cruisers, or who have been forced to abandon their 
property in Algiers in violation of the twenty-second 
article of the treaty of peace and amity concluded be¬ 
tween the United States and the Dey of Algiers, on 
the 5th of September, 1795. 

And it is agreed between the contracting parties, 
that in lieu of the above, the Dey of Algiers shall 
cause to be delivered forthwith into the hands of the 
American consul, residing at Algiers, the whole of a 
quantity of bales of cotton left by the late consul gen¬ 
eral of the United States in the public magazines in Al¬ 
giers, and that he shall pay into the hands of the said 
consul the sum of ten thousand Spanish dollars. 

Art. 5. If any goods, belonging to any nation with 
which either of the parties is at war, should be loaded 
on board vessels belonging to the other party, they 
shall pass free and unmolested, and no attempts shall 
be made to take or detain them. 

Art. 6. If any citizens or subjects with their effects, 
belonging to either party, shall be found on board a 
prize vessel taken from an enemy by the other party, 
such citizens or subjects shall be liberated immediate¬ 
ly, and in no case, on any other pretence whatever, 
shall any American citizen be kept in captivity or con¬ 
finement, or the property of any American citizen, 
found on board of any vessel belonging to any other 
nation, with which Algiers may be at war, be detained 
from its lawful owners after the exhibition of sufficient 


310 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


proofs of American citizenship and of American prop¬ 
erty by the consul of the United States, residing at 
Algiers. 

Art. 7. Proper passports shall immediately be giv¬ 
en to the vessels of both the contracting parties, on 
condition that the vessels of war belonging to the Re¬ 
gency of Algiers, on meeting with merchant vessels 
belonging to the citizens of the United States of 
America, shall not be permitted to visit them with 
more than two persons besides the rowers ; these only 
shall be permitted to go on board, without first obtain¬ 
ing leave from the commander of said vessel, who 
shall compare the passport, and immediately permit 
said vessel to proceed on her voyage ; and should any 
of the subjects of Algiers insult or molest the com¬ 
mander or any other person on board a vessel so visi¬ 
ted, or plunder any of the property contained in her, 
on complaint being made by the consul of the United 
States residing in Algiers, and on his producing suffi¬ 
cient proof to substantiate the fact, the commander of 
Rais of said Algerine ship or vessel of war, as well 
as the offenders, shall be punished in the most exem¬ 
plary manner. 

All vessels of war belonging to the United States 
of America, on meeting a cruiser belonging to the 
Regency of Algiers on having seen her passports and 
certificates from the consul of the United States, resi¬ 
ding in Algiers, shall permit her to proceed on her 
cruise unmolested, and without detention. No pass¬ 
port shall be granted by either party to any vessel,but 
such as are absolutely the property of citizens or sub¬ 
jects of the said contracting parties, on any pretence 
whatever, 

Art. 8. A citizen or subject of either of the con¬ 
tracting parties having bought a prize vessel condem¬ 
ned by the other party, or by any other nation, the cer¬ 
tificates of condemnation and bill of sale shall be a 
sufficient passport for such vessel for six months,which 
considering the distance between the two countries, is 
no more than a reasonable time for her to procure 
proper passports. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


311 


Art. 9. Vessels of either of the contracting par¬ 
ties, putting into the ports of the other, and having 
need of provisions or other supplies, shall be furnished 
at the market price ; and if any such vessel should so 
put in from a distance at sea, and have occasion to re¬ 
pair, she shall be at liberty to land and re-embark her 
cargo without paying any customs or duties whatever ; 
but in no case shall she be compelled to land her 
cargo. 

Art. 10. Should a vessel of either of the contrac¬ 
ting parties be cast on shore within the territories of 
the other, all proper assistance shall be given to her 
crew : no pillage shall be allowed. The property 
shall remain at the disposal of the owners, and if re¬ 
shipped on board of any vessel for exportation, no 
customs or duties whatever shall be required to be 
paid thereon, and the crew shall be protected and 
secured, until they can be sent to their own country. 

Art. 11. If a vessel of either of the contracting 
parties shall be attacked by an enemy within cannon 
shot of the forts of the other, she shall be protected 
as much as possible. If she be in port she shall not 
be seized or attacked, when it is in the power of the 
other party to protect her ; and when she proceeds to 
sea, no enemy shall be permitted to pursue her from 
the same port, within twenty-four hours after her de¬ 
parture. 

Art. 12. The commerce between the United States 
of America and the Regency of Algiers, the protec¬ 
tions to be given to merchants, masters of vessels, and 
seamen, the reciprocal rights of establishing consuls 
in each country, and the privileges, immunities and 
jurisdiction to be enjoyed by such consuls, are de¬ 
clared to be on the same footing in every respect with 
the most favored nations respectively. 

Art. 13. The consul of the United States of Amer¬ 
ica shall not be responsible for the debts contracted 
by citizens of his own nation, unless he previously 
gives written obligations so to do. 

Art. 14. On a vessel or vessels of war, belonging 


31 2 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


to the United States, anchoring before the city of Al¬ 
giers, the consul is to inform the Dey of her arrival, 
when she shall receive the salutes which are by treaty 
or custom given to the ships of war of favored nations, 
on similar occasions and which shall be returned gun 
for gun ; and if after such arrival, so announced, any 
Christians whatsoever, in Algiers make their escape 
and take refuge on board any of the ships of war, they 
shall not be required back again, nor shall the consul 
of the United States, or commander of said ships, be 
required to pay any thing for the said Christians. 

Art. 15. As the government of the United States 
of America has in itself no character of enmity 
against the laws, religion or tranquility of any nation, 
and as the said States have never entered into any 
voluntary war or act of hostility, except in defence 
of their just rights on the high seas, it is declared by 
the contracting parties, that no pretext arising from re¬ 
ligious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of 
the harmony existing between the two nations ; and 
the consuls and agents of both nations shall have lib¬ 
erty to celebrate the rites of their respective religions 
in their own houses. 

The consuls respectively shaH have liberty and per¬ 
sonal security given them to travel within the territo¬ 
ries of each other both by land and sea, and shall not 
be prevented from going on board any vessels they 
may think proper to visit ; they shall likewise have 
the liberty to appoint their own drogoman and bro¬ 
ker. 

Art. 16. In case of any dispute arising from the 
violation of any of the articles of this treaty, no ap¬ 
peal shall be made to arms, nor shall war be declared 
on any pretext whatever; but if the consul, residing 
at the place where the dispute shall happen, shall not 
be able to settle the same, the government of that 
country shall state their grievance in writing, and 
transmit the same to the government of the other, and 
the period of three months shall be allowed for an¬ 
swers to be returned, during which time no act of 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


313 


hostility shall be permitted by either party; and in 
case the grievances are not redressed, and a war 
should be the event, the consul and citizens, and sub¬ 
jects of both parties respectively, shall be permitted 
to embark with their effects unmolested, on board of 
what vessel or vessels they shall think proper, reason¬ 
able time being allowed for that purpose. 

Art. 17. If in the course of events, a war should 
break out between the two nations, the prisoners cap¬ 
tured by either party shall not be made slaves; they shall 
not be forced to hard labor, or other confinement than 
such as may be necessary to secure their safe keeping, 
and shall be exchanged rank for rank ; and it is agreed 
that prisoners shall be exchanged in twelve months af¬ 
ter their capture, and the exchange may be effected 
by any private individual legally authorized by either 
of the parties. 

Art. 18. If any of the Barbary states or other 
powers at war with the United States, shall capture 
any American vessel and send it into any port of the 
Regency of Algiers, they shall not be permitted to 
sell her, but shall be forced to depart the port, on 
procuring the requisite supplies of provision: But the 
vessels of war of the United States, with any prizes 
they may capture from their enemies shall have liberty 
to frequent the port of Algiers, for refreshment of any 
kind and to sell such prizes, in the said ports, without 
any other customs or duties, than such as are custom¬ 
ary on ordinary commercial importation. 

Art. 19. If any of the citizens of the United States, 
or any persons under their protection, shall have any 
disputes with each other, the consul shall decide be¬ 
tween the parties, and whenever the consul shall re¬ 
quire any aid or assistance from the government of 
Algiers to inforce his decisions, it shall be immediate¬ 
ly granted to him ; and if any disputes shall arise be¬ 
tween any citizens of the United States and the citi¬ 
zens or subjects of any other nation having consul or 
agent in Algiers, such disputes shall be settled by the 
consuls or agents of the respective nations; and any 
40 


314 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


disputes or suits at law that may take place between 
any citizens of the -United States and the subjects of 
the Regency of Algiers, shall be decided by the Dey 
in person and no other. 

Art. 20. If a citizen of the United States should 
kill, wound, or strike a subject of Algiers, or, on the 
contrary a subject of Algiers should kill, wound, or 
strike a citizen of the United States, the law of the 
country shall take place, and equal justice shall be 
rendered, the consul assisting at the trial ; but the 
sentence of punishment against an Amerinan citizen 
shall not be greater, or more severe, than it would be 
ugainst a Turk in the same predicament, and if any 
delinquent should make his escape, the consul shall 
not be responsible for him in any manner whatever. 

Art. 21. The consul of the United States of Amer¬ 
ica shall not be required to pay any custom or duties 
whatever on any thing he imports for a foreign country 
for the use of his house and family. 

Art. 22. Should any of the citizens of the United 
States of America die within the limits of the Regen¬ 
cy of Algiers, the Dey and his subjects shall not in¬ 
terfere with the property of the deceased, but it shall 
be under the immediate direction of the consul, unless 
otherwise disposed of by will. Should there be no 
consul, the effect shall be deposited in the hands of 
some person worthy of trust, until the party shall ap¬ 
pear who has a right to demand them, when they shall 
render an account of the property ; neither shall the 
Dey or his subjects give hindrance in the execution of 
any will that may appear. 


Now therefore be it known, that I James Madison, 
President of the United States of America, having 
seen and considered the said Treaty, have by and 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, accepted, 
ratified and confirmed the same, and every clause and 
article ther eof. 


NAVAL MONUMENT. 


315 


In testimony wherefore I have caused the seal of 
the United States to be hereunto affixed, and 
(l. s.) have signed the same with my hand. Done at 
the City of Washington this twenty-sixth day 
of December, A. D. one thousand eight hun¬ 
dred and fifteen, and of the Independence of 
the United States the fortieth. 

JAMES MADISON. 

By the President, JAMES MONROE, Secretary of State. 


The following list comprises the names of all the 
vessels belonging to the United States navy in 1812, 
before the late war with Great Britian. Those mark¬ 
ed in italics were lost during the war. The Boston , 
burnt at Washington, was a mere hulk, not worth re¬ 
pair as was also the New York , which escaped the 
flames. 


Rate. Rate. 

Ship United States - 44 Hornet - - - 18 

President - - 44 Wasp - - - 18 

Constitution - 44 Brig Adams - - - 18 

Chesapeake - 36 Onedia - - - 16 

Constellation - 36 Syren - - - 16 

Congress - - 36 Argus - - - 16 

New York - - 32 Enterprize - - 14 

Adams - - - 42 Rattlesnake - 14 

Boston - - - 32 Nautilus - - 14 

Essex - - - 32 Vixen - - - 14 

John Adams - 24 Viper - - - 12 

Louisiana - - 18 Sch’r Vixen - - - 8 

Besides gun-boats, bombs, &c. 


; . . :*«VK.w-'< 1 . 




n ' J ; 






>i • !> • 

■ ' f 









, ■ i 



: K>k • 

• 







. * t W- : 


'•tiil'.f »J J 




. . * % 







' 


. .' j >' : Si? r‘V 









' , : v. 





-V > a ;;; 






























■o'V;' v. . -.V.- ' . . r ;; . 

. ' • ' 

•/. '• ' »; . H) 






NAVAL REGISTER FOR 1815. 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Com- 
missons. 


CAPTAINS. 
Alexander Murray 
John Rodgers 
James Barron 
William Bainbridge 
Hugh G. Campbell 
Stephen Decatur 
Thomas Tingey 
Charles Stewart 
Isaac Hull 
Isaac Chauncey 
John Shaw 
John H. Dent 
David Porter 
John Cass in 
Samuel Evans 
Charles Gordon 
Jacob Jones 
Charles Morris 
Joseph Tarbell No. 1 

Arthur Sinclair No. 2 

Oliver Hazard Perry 
Thomas Macdonough 
Jewis Warrington 
Loseph Bainbridge 
William Crane 
Johnston Blakeley 
James T. Leanord 
James Biddle No, 1 

Chs. G. Ridgley No. 2 

R. T. Spence No. 3 

Dan. T. Patterson 

MASTERS COMMANDANT 


Samuel Anges 
M. T. Woolsey 
J. O. Creighton 
Ed. Treachard 
John Downes 
J. D. Henley 
Jesse D. Elliott 
Robert Henley 
Stephen Cassin 
Dan’l S. Dexter 
James Renshaw 
David Deacon 
Lewis Alexis 
M. B. Carroll 
Sidney Smith 


No. 

No. 

No. 9 
No. 10 
No. 11 
No. 14 
No. 15 


No. 1 
No. 2 
No. 3 
No. 4 
No, 1 


1 

5 

22 

20 

16 

16 

23 

22 

23 

24 

27 
29 

2 

3 

4 
2 

3 

5 
24 
24 
10 
11 
22 

23 

24 

25 

4 

28 
28 
28 
28 


24 

24 

24 

24 

24 

24 

24 

12 

11 

10 

10 

10 

10 

4 

28 


July 

March 

May 

do 

Oct. 

Feb. 

Nov. 

April 

do 

do 

Aug. 

Dec. 

July 

do 

do 

March 

do 

do 

July 

o 

Sept. 

do 

Nov. 

do 

do 

do 

Feb. 

do 

do 

do 

do 


July 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

Aug. 

Sept. 

Dec. 

do 

do 

do 

Feb. 

do 


1798 

1799 
< 

1800 
6 

1804 

( 

1806 


1807 

1811 

1812 


1813 


1814 


1815 


1813 


1814 

i 

1814 

C 


1815 


Thomas Brown 
William Lewis 

LIEUTENANTS. 

Nathaniel Haraden 
Francis I. Mitchell 
George Merrill 
Samuel Woodhouse 
Chs. C. B. Thompson 
Joseph Nicholson 
Alex. S. Wadsworth 
John Pettigrew 
George W. Rodgers 
George C. Read 
Henry E. Ballard 
Thomas Gamble 
William Carter, Jr. 

B. I. Neale No. 2 

J. I. Nicholson No. 3 

Walter Stewart No. 4 

Wolcott Chauncey 
John H. Elton 
Edmund P. Kennedy 
Jesse Wilkinson 
Alexander J. Dallas 
John B. Nicholson 
BekmanV. Hoffman 
George Budd 
Thomas A. C. Jones 
Joseph S. Macpherson 
[John Porter 
John T. Shubrick 
William Finch 
William B. Shubrick 
Henry Wells 
Banjamin W. Booth 
Alexander Claxton 
Enos R. Davis 
Charles W. Morgan 
Samuel P. Macomber 
Raymond H. J. Perry 
Lawrence Kearney 
William H. Watson 
Thomas Hendry, Jr. 
Foxall A. Parker 
Edward R. M’Call 
Daniel Turner 
Wm. H. Allen No. 1 

S. D. M’Knight No. 2 


31 

18 

30 

4 

15 

15 

21 

22 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 
4 
4 
4 

7 

8 

9 

10 

13 

20 

21 

23 

24 
26 

27 

28 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
10 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

11 

12 

24 

24 


March 

do 


March 1807 
Feb. 1809 
April 

r 

June 
April 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
June 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
May 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
Jan. 
do 
do 
do 
do 
May 
March 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
July 
do 


1812 


1818 


1818 




















318 


NAVAL REGISTER 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 


David Cannon 

No. 3,24 

July 

1813 

Francis B. Gamble 

9 

July 

John Gallagher 

No. 4 24 

do 

4 

Richard Dashiel 

9 

do 

Thomas Holdup 

No. 6|24 

do 

« 

John Tayloe 

9 

do 

Jas. A. Dudley 

No. 7,24 

do 

4 

George B. M’Culloch 

9 

do 

Jas. P.Orellers 

No. 824 

do 

4 

Robert Spedder 

9 

do 

Wm. M. Hunter 

No. £ 

124 

do 

c 

Thomas T. Webb 

9 

do 

John D Sloat 

No. If 

24 

do 

c 

Walter G. Anderson 

9 

do 

John Dackett 

No. 11 

24 

do 

c 

Stephen Champlin 

9 

do 

W. H Cocke 

No. 12 

24 

do 

c 

Charles T. Stallings 

9 

do 

J. J. Yarnall 

No. 13 

24 

do 

4 

James M’Gowan 

9 

do 

Mat. C. Perry 

No. 14 

24 

do 

i 

William Lowe 

9 

do 

C. W. Skinner 

No. 15 

24 

do 

4 

E. A. F Vallette 

9 

do 

Joseph Wragg* 

No. 16 

24 

do 

4 

John H. Aulick 

9 

do 

James Sanders 

No. 17 

24 

do 

( 

Charles T. Clarke 

9 

do 

James Reilly 

No. 18 

24 

do 

( 

Silas Duncan 

9 

do 

S. W. Adams 

No. 19 

24 

do 

4 

Thomas Cunningham 

9 

do 

J. K. Madison 

No. 21 

24 

do 

« 

Isaac M’Keeper 

9 

do 

D. ’J'aylor 

No. 22 

24 

do 

( 

Robert F. Stockton 

9 

do 

George Pierce 

No. 23 

24 

do 

4 

Nat L. Montgomery 

9 

do 

Fred W. Smith 

No. 24 

24 

do 

< 

' Walter N* Monteath 

9 

do 

H. S. Newcomb 

No. 25 

24 

do 

4 

A. C. Stout 

9 

do 

N D. Nicholson 

No. 26 

24 

do 

4 

Silas H. Stringham 

9 

do 

T. Tillinghast 

No. 27 

24 

do 

4 

George Vancleave 

9 

do 

Otho Norris 

No. 29 

24 

do 

4 

Paul Zantzinger 

9 

do 

J. T. Newton 

No. 30 

24 

do 

€ 

John W. Gibbs 

9 

do 

P, A. J. P. Jones No. 31 

24 

do 

i 

John T. Drury 

9 

do 

Samuel Henley 

No. 32 

24 

do 

4 

Charles E. Cowley 

9 

Dec. 

A. Conckling 

No. 33 

24 

do 

4 

William Laughton 

9 

do 

Joseph Smith 

No. 34 

24 

do 

4 

Nelsen Webster 

9 

do 

L. Rousseau 

No. 36 

24 

do 

4 

Wm. A. C. Farragut 

9 

do 

G. W. Storer 

No. 37 

24 

do 

4 

Richard G. Edwards 

9 

do 

Henry B. Rapp 

No. 40 

24 

do 

4 

William Merwin 

4 

Feb. 

Lewis German 

No. 41 

24 

do 

4 

William K. Latimer 

4 

do 

Joseph Cassin 

No. 42 

24 

do 

4 

Gustavus W. Spooner 

4 

do 

Rob. M. Rose 

No. 43 

24 

do 

4 

Isaac Mayo 

4 

do 

B. Kennon 

No. 44 

24 

do 


William H. Brailsford 

4 

do 

Edward Shubrick 


9 

Oct. 

4 

William Elliott 

4 

do 

Charles A. Budd 


18 

June 

1814 

Thomas Crabb 

4 

do 

Francis H. Gregory 

28 

do 

4 

Edward B. Babbit 

1 

May 

Wm. H. Odenheimer 

16 

July 

1814 

George Hamersley 

5 

do 

Edward Barneweli 


22 

do 

4 





John M. Maury * 
Frederick Baury 
Benjamin Cooper 
Philip F.Voorhoes 
Henry Gilliam 
John H. Clack* 
William D. Salter 
William A. Spencer 
William L. Gordon 
David Geisinger 
Richard Winter 
John T. Wade 
John Percival 
James Ramage 
William V. Taylor 
Marnine Mix 
Thomas N. Newell 
Edward Haddaway 
Charles F. M’Cawley 
John H. Bell 
Dulany Forrest 
Bladen Dulany 
Tho. W. Magruder 


Dec. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 


1814 


June, 1799 
July, 

Jan. 1800 
Nov. 1804 
do « 

do * 

do ‘ 

March, 1809 
do * 

April, ‘ 

June, * 

do * 

April, 1810 

do ‘ 

May, ‘ 

July, * 

March, 1811 
Oct. ‘ 

July, 1812 
July, 1818 
do * 

_ ___ i ____^__ jdo _ V; 

* The relative rank of those officers whose commissions are dated the 9th of December, 
1814, has nut been established. 


SURGEONS. 
Edward Cutbush 
Peter St. Medard 
Samuel R. Marshall 
Lewis Heerman 
Joseph G. P. Hunt 
Jonathan Cowdery 
Samuel D. Heap 
Robert L. Thorn 
Samuel R. Trevett, Jr. 
Wm. P. C. Barton 
Joseph W. New 
Joseph S. Schoolfield 
George Logan 
Amos A. Evans 
Robert Morrell' 

Robert S. Kearney 
James Page 
John D. M’Reynolds 
Thomas Harris 
William Turk No. 1 
Hyde Ray No. 2 

William Baldwin No. 3 


24 

14 

16 

27 

27 

27 

27 
3 
3 

28 
18 
18 
14 
20 
31 
28 

6 

2 

6 

24 

24 

24 


1814 


1815 






















NAVAL REGISTER 


319 


Names and Rank. 


Rates of Com- 

missons. 


10 

Dec 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 

do 

10 


10 


10 


10 


6 

Jan. 

10 

do 

3 

Maj 

3 

do 

9 

May 

10 

Jan. 

22 

Feb 


John Wise 

Thomas I. H. Cushing 
John H. Steel 
S. B Whittington 
Francis Gerrish 
Edward Woodward 
Benjamin A. Welles 
Frederick P. Markham 
William D. Conway 
James N. Turns tale 
Davis G. Tuck 
Robert C. Wardle 
James Norris 
Thomas C. Gardner 
William F. Bradbury 
Benajah Tickner 
William P. Jones 
Thomas G v Peachy 
John Mairs 
John M’Adam 
.John S. Mersnon 
Charles Chase 
Thomas V. Wiesenthal 
George B. Doane 
Amos King 
Pliny Morton 
Benjamin S. Tyler 
Nathaniel Miller 
William Burclimore 
Solomon D. Townsend 
Richard Derby, Jr. 

John R. Martin, acting 
Surgeon 

James R. Royce, acting 
Surgeon’s Mate 
David H. Fraser, acting 
Surgeon’s Mate, 


1815 


Names and Rank. 


surgeons’ mates. 


Rates of Com¬ 

missions. 


24 

July 

1813 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

< 

24 

do 

( 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

( 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

6 

Oct. 

4 

15 

April 

1814 

15 

do 

4 

15 

do 

( 

15 

do 

4 

15 

do 

4 

27 

June, 

4 

16 

July, 

c 

1 

March 

1815 

22 

May 

4 


16 

Jan. 

1805 

23 

do 

1809 

1 

March 

« 

18 

July 

4 

28 

do 

1810 

23 

Sept. 

1811 

14 

May 

1812 

27 

do 

4 

7 

July 

4 

8 

do 

4 

9 

do 

( 

10 

do 

4 

21 

Dec. 

4 

22 

do 

i 

24 

July 

1813 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

( 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

« 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

1 

24 

do 

( 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

24 

do 

4 

25 

Oct. 

i 

8 

Nov. 

4 

17 

May 

1814 

28 

June 

4 

5 

July 

< 

16 

do 

4 

10 

Dec. 

4 

10 

do 

< 

10 

do 

4 


PURSERS. 

Isaac Garreston 
Clement S. Hunt 
Gwinn Harris 
John H. Carr 
Nathaniel Lyde 
James R. W ilson 
Samuel Robertson 
Samuel Hambleton 
Robert C. Ludlow 
Robert Pottinger 
John B. Timberlake 
Thomas I. Chew 
Thomas Shields 
Richard C. Archer 
Lewis Deblois 
George S. W ise 
Francis A. Thornton 
Edwin T. Satterwhite 
James M. Halsey 
Edward Fitzgerald 
Alexander P. Darragh 
Edward W. Turner 
Robert Ormsby 
i Henry Dennison 
Ludlow Dashwood 


25 

April 

1812 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

• 

25 

do 


25 

do 

€ 

25 

do 

C 

25 

do 

» 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

€ 

25 

2o 

€ 

25 

de 

( 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

< 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

25 

do 

4 

52 

do 

t 


John Harrison 
Slith Lewis 
Gustavos R. Brown 
INIanuel Philips 
William Barnwell 
William Belt 
Donaldson Yeates 
John D. Armstrong 
William C. Whittlesey 
Peter Christie 
John Young, Jr. 

Samuel Jackson 
Andrew B Cook 
James C. Garrison 
E. D. Morrison No. 2 

Horatio S. Warring No. 3 
John H. Gordod, Acting 
Surgeon No. 5 

Samuel M. Kissam No. 6 
Leonard Osborne No. 9 
Tho’s Williamson No. 7 
John Dix No. JO 

Benj. Austin, Jr. No. 15 
Thomas Cadle No. 16 
Leuco Mitchell No. 17 
Silas D. Wickes No. 18 
Isaac Balwin. Jr. No. 19 
Wilmot F.Rodgers No. 20 
Thomas Rogerson 
George S- Sproston 
John C. Richardson 
John W. Peaco 
Archimedes Smith 
Ale’r M. Montgomery 
Oliver LeChevalier 
William Bntler 
Thomas M’Kiseocb 


Win VV. Buchanan No. 4 

Samuel Ayer No. 5 

E. L. Lawton No. 6 

Charles Cotton No. 7 

Gerard Dayers No. 8 

William Caton No. 9 

Robert A. Barton No. 10 
Benj. P. Kissam No. 11 
John A. Kearney No. 13 
Richard C. Edgar No. 14 
B. Washington No.15 

Wm. M Clarks No. 16 
Tho’s Chide6ter No. 17 
Jas Inderwicke No. 18 
Geo. T. Kennon No. 19 
Walter W New 
Samuel Horsley 
Robert C. Randolph 
Charles B. Hamilton 
Usher Parsons 
William Swift 
J. M.S.Conway 
Richard K. Hoffman 
Richmond Johnson 
Thomas B. Salter 




















32 0 


NAVAL REGISTER 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Corn*!; 
missions. 


Names and Rank. 


Dates of Cam- 
missions. 


William S. Rogers 

26 

Feb. 

1S13 

Henry Frv 

27 

do 

• I 

John R. Shaw 

27 

do 


Samuel P. Todd 

1 

March 


Nathaniel W. Roth well 

2 

do 


George Beall 

24 

July 


James H. Clark 

24 

do 


William P. Zantzinger 

24 

do 


Joseph North 

24 

do 

4 

Joseph Wilson, Jr. 

24 

do 

< 

Herman Thorn 

24 

do 

c 

Thomas Waine 

24 

do 

4 

Lewis Fairchild 

24 

do 


John S. Skinner 

26 

March 

1814 

Joseph B. Wilkinson 

26 

do 

t 

Ezekiel Solomon 

26 

do 

< 

Benjamin F. Bourne 

26 

do 

• 

William Sinclair 

26 

do 

4 

Richard T. Timber lake 

26 

do 

4 

Samuel Livermore 

26 

do 

C 

Matthew C. Atwood 

26 

do 

4 

Gerome K. Spence 

8 

April 

4 

Melancton W. Bostwick 

16 

Jnlv 

4 

John N. Todd 

1 

March 

1815 

Timothy Winn 

17 

May 

4 

William M, Sands 

20 

do 

4 

Thomas Breese 

S 

JoIt 

4 

Joseph H. Terry, acting 




Purser 




CHAPLAINS. 




Andrew Hunter 

5 

March 

1811 

David P. Adams 

10 

Mav 

< 

John Cook 

19 

do 

1812 

William H. Briscoe 

11 

Jaly 

C 

Colden Cooper 

24 

April 

1315 

Cbeever Felch 

12 

Mav 

4 

A. Y. Humphreys, acting 




Champlain 




MIDSHIPMEN . 




Adams, James 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Adam, Robert 

18 

May 

4 

Armstrong, James A. L. 

15 

Not. 

4 

Alexander, Albert A. 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Abbot, Walter 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Allison, William R. 

1 

do 

( 

Abbot. Joel 

1 

do 

4 

Avery, George 

'23 

do 

4 

Ashbridge, Joseph H. 

’14 

Aug. 

1813 

Adams, Henrv A. 

14 

March 

1814 

Andrews, Alex’r M’Kim 

13 

April 

4 

Armistead, Robert 

30 

July 

4 

Allen, William H. 

30 

Nov. 

* 

Alexander, Nathan el 

30 

do 

4 

Armstrong, William H. 

30 

do 

4 

Abbot,Thomas C. 

6 

Dec. 

4 

Adams, Roderick R. 

2 

March 

1815 

Bond, Samuel 

20 

Jan. 

1806 

Brown, Thomas S. 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Brown, I. A. D. 

17 

do 

4 

Berrv, William 

17 

do 

4 

Breeze, Samuel L. A. L. 

17 

do 

4 

Boarman, Charles 

! 9 

June 

1811 


Belt, William I. 

Belches. John A. A. L. 
Bern.-, Charges 
Boerum. \5 iliiam 
Barron, Samuel 
Bryden, John 
Bowyer, Thomas R. 
Bryan, Benjamin 
Beatty, Horatio 
Brasbears, Richard 
Ballinger, Franklin 
Baldwin. William 
Bonneville, Thomas N. 
Baker, Yorrick 
Bell, William H. 

Ball, Eliphalet 
Billow, Abraham 
Boden, William 
Benson, John C, 

Beck, Samuel 
Baldwin, Russel] 

Brown, Thomas H. 
Bruce, Henry 
Bubier, John 
Byrne, Edmund 
Bird, John D. 

Benriam, Timothy G. 
Brewster, Benjamin 
Branch, Cyras A. 
Bartholomew, Benjamin 
Barr, James 
Babbidge, John P. 
Boughan, James 
Buchanan, Franklin 
Bainbridge, Arthur 
Boardley, John 51. 
Bowman. Joseph 
Cutler, William 
Chaille,William H, 
Catoo, Richard, Jr. 
Cross, Joseph 
Caldwell,Charles H. 
Cook, John A. 
Chauncey, John S. 
(Conover, Thomas A. 
Campbell, Archibald 
Cranston. Robert 
Crary, Lodowick 
Cornwall, Joseph S. 
Cuthbr«t, Lad.Ian 
Cocke, Harrison 
Childs, Enos 
Curtis, James F. 
Cambreiicg, John P. 
Carter, Nathaniel, Jr. 
Cooke, John, Jr. 
Connor, James 
Cutts, James M. 

Curtis, Thomes B 
Cummings, John L. 

! Carpenter, Edward 
Carpenter, Benjamin 
Chanoings. John M. 
Carter, Hill 


17 

9 


Sept. 

do 

do 

do 

Jan. 


1812 


; 1 do 
! 1 do 
I 1 do 

1 


do 

do 

do 


1 do 
i 1 do 

I IS July 
18 do* 

18 do 
18 do 
(18 do 

: 22 A og. 
12 April 
] 7 May 
Not. 
do 
do 
Feb. 
16 April 
30 Not. 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 

II Jan. 
28 do 
23 Feb. 

7 March 

8 Joly 
15 Not. 

Dec. 
June 
do 

1 Sept. 
Jan. 
do 
do 
do 
do 
1 do 
1 do 
1 do 
18 June 
'18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
IS do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
28 Sept. 

! 8 Oct. 
10 July 
10 do 

9 Nov. 


1813 


1814 


1815 


1509 

1810 

1811 


1312 


do 


1813 













NAVAL REGISTER 


321 


Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com¬ 

missions. 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com- 

missons. 

Cutts, Augustus 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

Freeman, Edgar 

9 

June 

1811 

Cottineau, Hercules 

9 

do 

4 

Field, Robert 

1 

Sept. 

4 

Chew, John (or Benj.) 

1 

Feb. 

1S14 

Fischer, John D. 

18 

June 

1812 

Carson, Robert 

1 

do 

< 

Freelon, T. W. 

18 

do 

4 

Conyngham, David 

1 

do 

« 

Fenimore, Thomas E. 

20 

Feb. 

1813 

Cochran, Joshua W. 

1 

do 

4 

Freeman, James M. 

24 

May 

1814 

Cannon, Joseph S. 

26 

do 

( 

Follet, Benjamin 

6 

Dec. 

4 

Campbell, James 

30 

Nov. 

4 

Goodwin, John D. 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Colter, James 

30 

do 

c 

Gwinn, John A. L. 

18 

May 

4 

Cunningham, Robert B. 

30 

do 

4 

Greenwell, Edward 

9 

June 

1811 

Corlis, Charles 

30 

do 

4 

Gibbon, Frederick S. 

9 

do 

4 

Collier, John 

30 

do 

( 

Gaunt, Charles 

1 

Sept. 

4 

Cults, Joseph 

6 

Dec. 

( 

Goodwyn, Peterson 

I 

Jan. 

1812 

Coxe, James S. 

10 

Jan. 

1815 

Griffin, Allen 

1 

do 

t 

Childs, Charles B. 

28 

do 

4 

Gray, Henrv 

1 

do 

4 

Cochran, Richard 

7 

Feb. 

4 

Greenlaw, James 

18 

June 

4 

Cambridge, William E. 

6 

March 

4 

Goodrum James 

18 

do 

c 

Crowninshield, Jacob 

11 

do 

4 

Graham. John H. 

18 

do 

c 

Clinton, James H. 

24 

April 

4 

Goldsborough. Lewis M. 

18 

do 

4 

Doyle, Thomas 

4 

July 

1805 

Gihneyer, Jacob 

1 

Jan. 

1813 

De Hart, Gosen 

15 

Nov. 

1809 

Greeves, Thomas 

9 

Nov. 

c 

De Lion, Abraham 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Goodwin, Daniel 

30 

do 

1814 

Dowse, Edward 

17 

do 

( 

Grimke, Benj. Secundus 

30 

do 

4 

Dayton, T. W. H. 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Green, Willis M. 

30 

do 

4 

Downing, Samuel W. 

1 

do 

4 

Gerry, Thomas R. 

6 

Dec 

4 

Dulany, James W. 

1 

do 

4 

Gardner, Walter 

6 

do 

4 

De Vaux, Maximilian 

1 

do 

4 

Gardner, William H. 

6 

do 

4 

Dunham, Peleg K. 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Gaillard, Daniel S. 

1 

Feb. 

1815 

Davis, Oscar 

1 

Feb. 

9 

Gedney, Thomas R. 

4 

March 

4 

Dale, John Montgomery 

18 

June 

9 

Humphreys, Julius 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Dobbin, James H. 

IS 

do 

4 

Hill, John, Jr. A . L. 

6 

Feb. 

4 

Dennis, John, Jr. 

18 

do 

4 

Hall Warren 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Daily, Thomas W. 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

Heath, Richard 

17 

do 

4 

Derby, Charles P. 

9 

do 

9 

Haslett, Andrew 

17 

do 

c 

De Saussure, Daniel S, 

9 

do 

4 

Harrison, Thomas P. 

9 

June 

1811 

Davis, Owen 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

Hedges, F. E. 

9 

do 

• 

Downing, Mahlon M. 

8 

March 

( 

Hunter, Richard 

1 

Sept. 

€ 

Dominick, Richard 

30 

April 

4 

Harper, William J. 

1 

do 

1812 

Duzenberry, Samuel 

16 

July 

4 

Higgins, Jesse 

1 

Jan. 

% 

Dangorfield, William 

30 

Nov. 

4 

Harrison, Benjamin 

1 

do 

€ 

Dana, Charles 

30 

do 

( 

Hall, William 

1 

do 

4 

De Wolf, Francis L. 

30 

do 

4 

Harper, Joseph L. 

4 

June 

« 

Dodd, George D. 

30 

do 

4 

Hunter, Moses 

18 

do 

4 

Davezac, de Castera G. 

30 

do 

4 

Hunter, David 

18 

do 

4 

Delany, Hugh 

30 

do 

4 

House. William 

18 

do 

c 

Dyson, Henry 

1 

Jan. 

1815 

Higinbothom, Delozier 

18 

do 

c 

Dodge, Edwin I. 

18 

do 

4 

Harby, Levi 

18 

do 

€ 

Dornin, Thomas 

2 

May 

4 

Hardy, I. C. 

18 

do 

€ 

Eli, Guy 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Hamilton, Edward W. 

18 

do 

4 

Egerton, Richard 

15 

Nov. 

4 

Hodges, James 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

Essex, Edwin 

15 

do 

4 

Hall, A- S. 

9 

do 

C 

Evans, John 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Hull, Joseph 

9 

do 

c 

Eastburn, Joseph 

9 

June 

1811 

Handy, Thomas B. 

28 

Jan. 

1814 

Elzy, James 

1 

Sep. 

i 

Howell, John F. 

1 

Feb. 

C 

Eskridge, Alexander 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Hunter, George W. 

1 

do 

c 

Ellery,"Frank 

1 

do 

4 

Hollins, George N. 

1 

do 

c 

Eakin, Samuel A. 

18 

June 

4 

Hopkins, John L. 

26 

do 

< 

Ellery. Charles 

18 

March 

1814 

Hart, Ezekiel B. 

30 

April 

c 

Emmet, Christopher T. 

1 

Oct. 

4 

Hayes Thomas 

16 

June 

c 

Engle, Frederick 

6 

Dec. 

( 

Heth, John, 

25 

do 

€ 

Field, Ambrose 

1 

Dec. 

1809 

Homer, William H. 

30 

Nov. 

€ 

Farragut, David G. 

7 

do 

1810 

Horton, Samuel 

30 

do 

€ 

Forrest, French 

9 

June 

1811 

Hunter, Harry D. 

30 

do 

f 

Fitzhugh, Andrew 

9 

do 

‘ I 

Harvey, William 

30 

do 

€ 


41 















322 


NAVAL REGISTER 


Names and Rank. 

I Dates of Com 

J missions. 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 

Hunt, John 

30 

Nov. 

1814 

M’Caw, John 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Harris, John L. 

30 

do 

% 

M’Cawley, George 

1 

do 

£ 

Harris, William S. 

30 

do 

£ 

Mitchell, Robert 

1 

do 

£ 

Hobart, George 

6 

Dec. 

C 

M’Intosh, James M’K. 

1 

do 

£ 

Hoffman, Ogden 

31 

do 

{ 

Minchin, Charles W. 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Howard,William L. 

10 

Jan, 

1815 

M’Cluney, William 

1 

do 

£ 

Hobbs, Hubbard H. 

4 

March 

£ 

M’Clean, William 

1 

do 

£ 

Jones, Charles 

6 

July 

1803 

Mackall, Richard 

1 

do 

£ 

Jasper William 

1 

Jan. 

1808 

Mott, William H. 

1 

do 

£ 

Johns, Enoch H, 

16 

do 

1809 

M’Neil, Archibald 

1 

do 

£ 

Jamesson, William 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Morales, Joseph 

1 

do 

£ 

Inman, William 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Montgomery, John B. 

4 

June 

s 

Jackson, James T. 

1 

do 

C 

Mitchell, David 

18 

do 

£ 

Isaacs, G. W. 

I 

do 

c 

Mason, James 

18 

do 

£ 

Jarvis, Joseph R. 

18 

June 

£ 

M’Clintock, Henry 

18 

do 

£ 

Jamesson, Skeffington 

18 

do 

c 

Macliey Daniel H. 

16 

April 

1813 

Jones,Richard A. 

18 

do 

£ 

Moorehead, Joseph 

9 

do 

£ 

Ingraham, Duncan N, 

18 

do 

( 

M’Rorie, D. W. 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

Israel, Israel 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

MCauley, Daniel S. 

1 

do 

£ 

Jarrett, Frederick 

S 

March 

1814 

Moore Sharp D. 

18 

July 

C 

Jones, Walter F. 

11 

June 

£ 

Mahoney, Michael 

30 

Nov. 

£ 

Justin, Joshua H. 

30 

Nov. 

£ 

Matterson, Joseph 

30 

do 

£ 

Johnson, Edward S. 

30 

do 

£ 

M’Kean, Wm. W 

30 

do 

£ 

Jacobs, Edward 

30 

do 

< 

M'Kenzie, William 

30 

do 

£ 

Keene, Lewis 

1 

Jan. 

1S12 

M’Intosh, William A. 

30 

do 

£ 

Kuhn, Adam S. 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

Merchand, Nicholas 

30 

do 

£ 

Kelle, John 

1 

do 

< 

Myers, Joseph 

6 

Dec. 

£ 

Keasbey, John R. 

4 

Nov. 

C 

Mercer, Samuel 

4 

March 

1815 

Knight, James D. 

30 

do 

£ 

Martin, Robert F. 

2 

May 

£ 

Keogh, Matthew 

6 

Dec. 

£ 

Nicholson, James 

1 

Dec. 

1809 

Lacy, Charles 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Nichols Robert, 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Linch, Greene 

16 

do 

£ 

Nicholson, James 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Lewis, John I. H. 

15 

May 

£ 

Newcomb, Walter 

1 

do 


Lecompte Charles 

18 

do 

£ 

Nixen,Z. W. 

18 

June 

£ 

Ludlow, James H, 

15 

Nov. 

£ 

Newton, Henry C. 

18 

do 

£ 

Luckett, John M. 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Nicholson, Wm. C. 

18 

do 

£ 

Lee, William A. 

9 

June 

1811 

Newman, Wm. D. 

1 

Feb 

1814 

Lowe, Enoch 

1 

Sept. 

£ 

Nones, J. B. 

1 

do 

£ 

Leib, Thomas I. 

1 

do 

£ 

Nicholson, Wm. B. 

17 

March 

£ 

Latimer, Arthur 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Nelson, Armtstead 

10 

Nov. 

£ 

Loveday, John 

1 

do 

£ 

Nicholas John S. 

6 

June, 

1815 

Lecompte, Samuel 

4 

June 

i 

Olmstead, Edward 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Lufborough, Alex. W, 

18 

do 

• 

Ogden, Henry 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Lewis, William G. 

18 

do 

£ 

Oneale, Richard 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Leverett, George H. 

18 

do 

ft 

Overton, Patrick H. 

30 

Nov. 

1814 

Long, John C. 

18 

do 

£ 

Patton, George 

15 

Nov. 

1809 

Langdon, Henry S. Jr. 

18 

do 

£ 

Page Banjamin 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

Lee, John H. 

18 

do 

£ 

Perry, James Alex. 

9 

June 

1811 

Lansing, Edward A. 

18 

do 

£ 

Paulding. Hiram 

1 

Sept. 


Legare, James E. 

18 

do 

£ 

Pottenger, William 

1 

do 

€ 

Lovell, H. S. 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

Page, Hugh N. 

1 

do 

£ 

Lord, William R. 

1 

Feb 

1814 

Patter Richard M. 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Lyman, James R. 

16 

July, 

£ 

Pendergrast, Garret 

1 

do 

£ 

Lassalle, Stephen B. 

4 

Nov. 

£ 

Pettigrew, Thomas 

1 

do 

( 

Lowndes, Charles 

18 

March 

1815 

Prentiss, Nathaniel A. 

18 

June 

£ 

Livingston, Richard P. 

29 

do 

£ 

Pratt Shubal 

18 

do 

£ 

Myers, William 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Platt, Charles T. 

18 

do 

C 

Motley, A. 

16 

do 

£ 

Price, Edward 

5 

April 

1813 

M’Kinney, Wm. E. 

9 

June 

1811 

Phelps Samuel B. 

20 

May 

£ 

M’Neir, Thomas 

9 

do 

£ 

Prentiss, John E. 

9 

Nov. 

£ 

Morris, James L. 

9 

do 

£ 

Paine, John H. S. 

9 

do 

£ 

Mazyck, P. R. 

9 

do 

£ 

Pattern, Thomas 

9 

do 

£ 

McAlister, John 

1 

Sept. 

1811 

Patterson, William 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

M’Chesney, William 

1 

do 

£ 

Pollard, William 

8 

March 

£ 






















NAVAL REGISTER 


Names and Rank. 

Pelot, John F. 

Pinkham, Alex. B. 
Pinckney, Richard S. 
Porter, David H. 
Pickte, Richard 
Postell, Edward 
Palmer, John W. 
Potter, William H. 
Potter, Robert 
Pearson, Frederick 
Pennock, William H. 
Parker, George 
Renshaw, Samuel 
Roney, James 
Roberts, L. Q,. C. 
Rogers, James 
Randolph, R. B. 
Ritchie, John T. 
Ramsay, William W. 
Ray, James W. H, 
Roberts, James 
Randolph, William B. 
Ridgeway, Elienezer 
Russel, Edmund M. 
Russel, Charles C. 
Randall, Henry 
Rogers, Samuel 
Rodgers William T. 
Rice, William 
Ritchie, Rol>ert 
Rutter, Solomon 
Ross, Thomas 
Rogers, Clement 
Randolph, Victor M. 
Rudd,John 
Roane, William 
Rutgers, Herman 
Rittenhouse. VV. W. 
Rutledge, Edward 
Reed, John 
Rousseau, John B. 
Rand, Isaac H. 
Randolph, Burwell S 
Smith, Edward 
Stewart, James 
Saunders, John 
Stewart, Richard 
Smoot, Joseph 
Suggette, Thomas 
Smith, Charles 
Stevens, Clement 
Springer, Charles L. 
Spiknall, Joseph 
Swartwout, Augustus 
Searcy, Robert 
Snelson, Robert L. 
Steele, William 
Simonds, L. E. 
Sawyer, Horace B. 
Street, Miles 
Stribbling, Cornelius 
Sands, Joshua R. 
Stallings, Otho 
Scott, Beverly R. 


Dates of Com¬ 

missions. 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com- 
missons. 

10 

June, 

1814 

Sweeney, Hugh S. 

18 

June 

1812 

17 

do 

4 

Sullivan, John M 

1 

March 

1813 

3 

Aug 

( 

Shute John B. 

16 

April 

4 

4 

do 

4 

Skiddy, William 

9 

May 

4 

30 

Nov. 

( 

Spaulding, James 

9 

Nov. 

4 

30 

do 

( 

Swartwout, John 

9 

do 

4 

30 

do 

% 

Stewart. Archibald M. 

9 

do 

4 

6 

Dec. 

( 

Stout, Matthew W. 

12 

do 

4 

2 

March 

1815 

Stevenson, John 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

11 

March 


Stewart, David R. 

1 

do 

4 

20 

April 

4 

Summers, R. M. 

1 

do 

4 

6 

June 

4 

Shields, William 

2 

do 

4 

4 

July 

1805 

Smith, William P. 

17 

March 

4 

4 

July 

1807 

Shubrick, Irvine 

12 

May 

4 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Stearns, Joshua B. 

28 

Sept. 

4 

15 

Nov. 

4 

Storer, Frederick 

30 

Nov. 

4 

15 

Aug. 

1810 

Strong, Peter Y. 

30 

do 

4 

17 

Dec. 

4 

Shaler, Egbert 

30 

do 

• 

1 

Sept. 

i 

Sherburne, Jona. W. 

30 

do 

4 

1 

do 

c 

Street, Miles 

30 

do 

4 

1 

do 

4 

Shaw, Roger C. 

30 

do 

4 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Scott, Merit 

30 

do 

4 

1 

do 

4 

Somerville, G. W. 

30 

do 

4 

18 

June 

4 

Stockton, Horatio 

24 

Jan. 

1815 

18 

do 

4 

Sanderson, Francis 

3 

Feb. 

4 

18 

do 

( 

Smith, Jesse 

11 

March 

4 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

Story, Frederick W. C. 

11 

do 

4 

9 

do 

4 

Tippet, Thomas A. 

9 

June 

1811 

9 

do 

4 

Ten Eick, Abraham 

1 

Sept 

4 

1 

Feb. 

1814 

Temple, William 

1 

do 

4 

26 

do 

4 

Titus, Ira 

1 

do 

4 

17 

March 

( 

Taylor, James B. 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

16 

April 

4 

Tyler, Tobias 

1 

do 

4 

11 

June 

4 

Thompson, Joseph 

1 

do 

4 

30 

Nov. 

4 

Taylor, William 

1 

do 

1812 

30 

do 

4 

Tatnall, Josiah 

1 

do 

4 

30 

do 

c 

Toscan, Frank 

18 

June 

4 

30 

do 

i 

Tilton, Nehemiah 

9 

Nov. 

1813 

30 

do 

c 

Tardy, Henry 

9 

do 

4 

30 

do 

c 

Thwing, Samuel 

14 

May 

1814 

30 

do 

€ 

Toscan, Messidor 

1 

Sept 

4 

25 

Jan. 

1815 

Townsend, John S. 

18 

Nov. 

4 

2 

Feb. 

4 

Tuttle, John P. 

30 

do 

4 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

Turner, Henry E. 

30 

do 

4 

15 

Nov. 

1810 

Toole, John 

30 

do 

4 

15 

do 

4 

Tompkins, John 

30 

do 

4 

15 

do 

• 

Thorniley, Wm. F. 

30 

do 

4 

1 

Dec. 

( 

Tilden, Thomas B. 

1 

Jan 

1815 

1 

do 

4 

Tallmage, Benj. Jr. 

4 

do 

4 

17 

do 

1810 

Taylor, Wm. G. B. 

13 

Feb. 

4 

9 

June 

1811 

Vanzandt, Ira 

16 

Jan. 

1809 

1 

Sept. 


Voorhees, Ralph 

11 

Sept. 

1811 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Voshell, James 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

1 

do 

4 

Varnum, Frederick 

18 

June 

4 

1 

do 

4 

Vallette, James Kirk 

1 

do 

1815 

1 

do 

4 

Washington, Sam’l W. 

15 

Nov. 

1809 

1 

do 

€ 

Wayne, William C. 

17 

Dec. 

1810 

1 

do 

4 

Wish, John 

17 

do 

• 

1 

do 

4 

Wyman, Thomas W. 

17 

do 

4 

1 

do 

4 

Weaver, Wm. A. 

14 

Feb. 

1811 

18 

June 

4 

Walker, DanieLR. 

9 

June 

4 

18 

do 

4 

Williams, James 

1 

Sept. 

4 

18 

do 

4 

Williamson, J. D. 

1 

do 

4 

18 

do 

c 

Williamson, Chas. L. 

1 

do 

4 

















324 


NAVAL REGISTER 


Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 

Wall, Albert G. 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Dunston, William 

3 

April 

1815 

Whitlock, Ephraim 

1 

do 

4 

Ellison, Francis H. 

3 

July 

1813 

Wilson, Stephen B. 

1 

do 

4 

Ferris, Jonathan D 

28 

Feb. 

1809 

Washington, W. S. I. 

5 

Feb. 

4 

Ford, Augustus 

Fisk, Spuire 

28 

March 

1810 

Whetmore, Wm. C. 

18 

June 

( 

7 

May 

1812 

Whittington, Clement 

18 

do 

4 

Fleetwood, William 

7 

do 

4 

Wolbert, Frederick 

18 

do 

( 

Ferguson, James 

27 

do 

1814 

Watts, Edward 

18 

do 

( 

Gerry, Samuel R. 

17 

Jan. 

1809 

Whipple, Pardon M 

18 

do 

€ 

Green, William 

26 

June 

1812 

White, Joshua, 

18 

do 

4 

Godfrey, Thomas 

18 

April 

1815 

Warner, Henry It. 

28 

do 

4 

Herbert, Joshua 

4 

Aug. 

1807 

Ward, Henry 

1 

Oct. 

€ 

Halburd, John 

11 

Feb. 

1809 

Wheaton, Seth 

4 

March 1814 

Hutton, John S. 

24 

do 

4 

White, James 

20 

Aug. 

4 

Hamersley, Thomas 

14 

Jan. 

1S12 

Walker. William 

30 

Nov. 

4 

Henry, Henry A. L. 

1 

July 

4 

Wood, Oliver W. 

30 

do 

4 

Hallowell, George 

5 

Dec. 

1812 

Wilson, Cesar R. 

30 

do 

4 

Hixon, Samuel C. 

30 

April 

1814 

Wright, Edward 

30 

do 

4 

Hill, Henry D. 

16 

June 

4 

Watkins Erasmus 

6 

June 

1815 

Haller, Isaac 

7 

J uly 

4 

Yates Charles 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Hawksworth, G. T. 

Act 

g. S. master. 

Young, John 

1 

do 


Heartie, Isaac T. 

do 

do 

SAILING MASTERS. 

Arundell, Robert 

20 

May 

1812 

Jones, Edward 

Jennings, Nathaniel 

Jones, Daniel 

Jenkins, John D. 

26 

30 

8 

26 

Jan. 

March 

May 

do 

1809 

1812 

C 

4 

Almy, Thomas C. 

26 

June 

4 

Johnston, Robert 

10 

do 

1813 

Adams, James H. 

10 

July 

4 

Johnson, William 

6 

June 

1815 

Adams, Samuel W. 

3 

do 

1813 

Kingston, Simon 

29 

June 

1812 

Arnold, John 

3 

do 

• 

Knox, Robert 

20 

July 

4 

Brooks, Samuel 

17 

Oct. 

1803 

Kemper, Sylvester 

30 

Oct. 

4 

Barry, Edward 

28 

Feb. 

4 

Kitts, John 

15 

May 

1813 

Brown, Eli 

25 

April 

1812 

Levy, Uriah 

21 

Oct. 

1812 

Bloodgood, Abraham 

35 

June 

4 

Loomis, Jairus 

11 

Nov. 

4 

Bennet, Cornelius 

9 

Dec. 

4 

Luckett, Alexander 

15 

Dec. 

4 

Briggs, Samuel R. 

3 

July 

1813 

Lowe, Vincent 

20 

March 

1813 

Biker, Nicholas 

3 

do 

4 

Lindsey, Joseph 

17 

do 

1814 

Brum, Philip 

13 

Feb. 

1813 

Lee, William 

30 

April 

1816 

Basset, James 

18 

April 

1314 

Mooney, John 

23 

Jan. 

1809 

Bowie, Henry 

Act 

’g. S. master 

Mull, Jacob 

13 

Feb, 

4 

Carr, James E. 

4 

Aug. 

1807 

Mork, James A. L. 

14 

July 

1812 

Catalano, Salvadore 

9 

do 

1809 

M’Carty, William D. 

18 

do 

4 

Chambers, Thomas 

24 

Feb. 

1812 

Moliere, Henrv 

1 

Aug. 

4 

Carter, John K. 

9 

May 

4 

Moliere, Lucas 

1 

do 


Colt, W illiam 

26 

do 

4 

M’Connell, William 

2 

Nov. 

4 

Cox, Richard J. 

23 

J une 

4 

Mix, Elijah 

12 

June 

1813 

Cooper, Jas. B. A. L. 

9 

July 

4 

Mullaby, Francis 

3 

July 

4 

Caldwell, W. M. A. L. 

21 

March 

1813 

Mulford, Richard 

3 

do 

4 

Clough John 

3 

July 

4 

Malbone, William F. 

4 

April 

1814 

Chamberlain, S. P. 

8 

Jan. 

1814 

M’Lachlin, Philip 

Meyers, Stuben 

28 

July 

4 

Collins, William 

3 

Feb. 

4 

18 

Nov. 

4 

Cansler, William 

29 

March 

4 

Miller, William 

28 

Jan. 

1815 

Croft, George 

17 

Aug. 

( 

M’Night, William 

Act 

V S. master. 

Dudley, Linton 

25 

Jan. 

1809 

Maynadier, Daniel 

do 

do 

Dealy, Richard 

14 

Feb. 

1811 

Nantz, John 

7 

July 

1812 

Doxey, Biscoe 

24 

June 

1812 

Nicholson, William 

14 

Aug. 

IS 13 

Davis, George 

20 

July 

4 

Northrop, Job 

22 

Jan. 

1815 

Dove, Marmaduke 

29 

Aug. 

C 

Nichols, Thomas 

Act’ff. S. master. 

Dobbins, Daniel 

16 

Sept. 

* 

Owings, John C. 

15 

Sept. 

1806 

Dill, J. H. 

10 

April 

1813 

Osgood, Joseph 

Phillips, David 

3 

July 

1813 

Dodge, Billy 

3 

July 

4 

1 

Jan. 

1801 

De la Roche, Geo. F. 

3 

Aug. 

4 

Prentiss, Jabez 

4 

Feb. 

1809 

4 

Dorgan, Andrew 

11 

Sept. 

4 

Page, Lewis B. 

9 

March 

Downes, Shubal 

12 

do 

4 

Potts, James B. 

24 

July 

1812 

Drew, John 

6 

Dec. 

1814 

Payne, Thomas 

10 

Oct. 

€ 
















NAVAL REGISTER 


325 


Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com¬ 
missions. 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com- 
mis8ons. 

Polk, William W. 

18 

July 

1814r 

Tew, Henry 

28 

March 

1814 

Rogers, James 

6 

April 

1810 

Tatem, Robert S. 

21 

July 

< 

Robins, William M. 



1812 

Terry, James 

20 

April 

1815 

Romey, Edward 

18 

Nov. 

< 

Ulrich, George 

4 

Dec. 

1809 

Rinker, Samuel 

3 

Sept. 

1813 

Van Voorhis, Rob’t B. 

28 

Feb. 

< 

Sountag, George S. 

4 

Aug. 

1807 

Vaughan, William 

22 

Aug. 

1812 

Stevens, Joseph 

3 

May 

1812 

Verney, Henry 

5 

Dec. 

< 

Smith, Horace 

17 

July 

< 

Williamson, James L. 

4 

Aug. 

1807 

Smith, William P. 

26 

Dec. 

( 

Waits, Thomas 

9 

Feb. 

1809 

Story, Thomas W. 

27 

April 

1813 

Wilkinson, Henry 

1 

Jan. 

1812 

Sheed, William W. 

5 

May 

< 

Wilson, George M. 

24 

July 

< 

Stoodley Nathaniel 

14 

Aug. 

< 

Waldo, Charles F. 

10 

March 

1813 

Stelhvagen, D. S. 

14 

May 

1814 

Warner, John 

15 

Sept. 

i 

Shoemaker, David, Jr. 

19 

Oct. 

( 

Wright, James B. 

19 

Nov. 

4 

Spilman, James 

3 

Feb 

1815 

White, John 

2 

Dec. 

< 

Trant, James 

10 

Apr 

1799 

Williston, Joseph 

26 

Nov. 

1814 

Taylor, James 

16 

May 

1812 

Warren, Nahum 

6 

Feb. 

1815 

Taylor, Joseph 

14 

July 

< 

Worthington, Henry 

2 

May 

< 

Tophain, Philip M. 

27 

do 

1813 

Young, Edward L. 

9 

May 

1812 



MARINE 

CORPS. 




Names and Rank. 

Dates of Com - 

Names and Rank. 

Dates of 

Com- 



missions. 



missions. 


LT. COL. COMMANDANT. 

Franklin Wharton 

MAJORS. 

Daniel Carmich 
John Hall 

CAPTAINS. 

Anthony Gale 

Robert Green leaf 
Archibald Handerson 

Richard Smith 

Robert Wainwright 


Win. Anderson 
Tho’s R. Swift 


No 1 
No 2 


Samuel Miller No 3 


John Crabb 


No 4 


Henry H. Ford No 5 
John M. Gamble No 6 
Charles S. Hanna No 7 

Alexander Sevier No 8 

Alfred Grayson No 9 

Wiliam Strong No 10 
James Heath No 11 
Samuel Bacon No 12 
H. B. BreckenridgeNo 1 
William Hall No 2 
F. W. Sterne No 3 

1st. lieutenants. 

F. B. D Bellevite No 1 
J. R. Montegul No 2 


7 March 1804 


7 March 1809 

8 June 1814 


t 24 April 1804 
j Brev. Major 
19 Jan 1811 
1 April ‘ 

$ 13 Mar. 1812 
( Brev Major 
29 Sept 

18 June 1814 
18 do * 

$18 do ‘ 

) Brev. Major 
$18 do 
l and Paym’r 
18 do * 

18 do 

18 do ‘ 

$18 do 
( Brev. Major 
$ IS do 
( & Qr. Master 
18 do 

do ‘ 

do f 

Dec. * 

do * 

do ‘ 


18 June 
18 do 


1S15 


18 June 

18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
13 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
16 July 


No 3 

Lyman Kellogg No 5 

Sam’l E. Watson No 6 

W. L. Brownlow No 7 

Leon’d J.Boone No 8 

Tho’s W. Legge No 9 

W. II. Freeman No 10 

Jos. L. Kuhne No 11 

Henry Olcott No 12 

C. M. Broome No 13 

B. Richardson No 15 

F. B. White No 16 

William Nicoll No 17 

Wm. L. Boyd No 18 

Charles Lord No 19 

Levi Twiggs No 20 

Edmund Brooke No 21 

John Harris No 22 

Samuel B. Johnson 

2nd lieutenants. 

Penry Stephens No 1 

Thos. A. Linton No 2 

Richd Auchmuty No 3 

Joseph Bosque No 4 

James Edelen No 5 1 March 

Christopher Ford No 6 18 do 

James J. Mills No 7 do 

Francis A. Bond No 8 do 

Park. G. Howie No 9 do 

Geo. B English No 10 do 

H. W. Kennedy Noll do 

R. D. Green No 12 do 

S. Duvall No 13 do 

Chas Snowden No 14 do 

J. G. Singeltary No 15 do 

Wm. F. Swift No 16 do 

Gillies Thompson i]2 April 

Edward S. Nowell I 9 May 


1815 


28 

28 

28 

28 


Feb. 

do 

do 

do 


1815 




























326 


NAVAL HEGISTER 


LIST OF THE AMERICAN NAVY. 


5 

a 

Names of Vessels. 

Commanders. 

£ 

a 

Names of Vessels. 

Commanders. 



Com. Bain- 4 [ 

12 

Spark 

F. Gamble 

74 

Independence 

bridge, Capt. > 

11 

Spitfire 

A. J. Dallas 



Crane ) 

10 

Torch 

VV, Chauncey 

74 

Washington 

Cap. I Chauncey 

14 

Nonsuch 

Trant 

74 

Franklin 

Lieu. Morgan 

17 

Ticonderoga 




first officer since 

10 

Lady Prevost, l. B. 




the death of 

9 

Prometheus 

A. S. Wadsworth 



Capt. Smith 

9 

Tom Bowline 

Hoffman 

74 

New-Or leans 


9 

Alligator 


74 

Chippewa 


7 

Roanoke 


44 

Guerriere, flagship 

Com.S. Decature > 

19 

Hunter, late British 




Dapt. Lewis $ 

7 

Firebrand 


44 

United States 

J. Shaw 

7 

Surprise 


44 

Constitution 


5 

Hornet 


44 

Java 

0. H. Perry 

5 

Ghent 


44 

Plattsburgh 


3 

Caledonia, late B. 


44 

Superior 


5 

Lynx 


36 

Constellation 

C. Gordon 

3 

Despatch 


36 

Congress 

C. Morris 

3 

Asp 


36 

Macedonian, late B. 

J. Jones 

3 

Porcupine 


32 

Mohawk 


2 

Gov. Tompkins 


32 

Confiance, late B-. 


8 

Conquest 


28 

Cyane do 


1 

Ranger 


24 

Saratoga 


3 

Lady of the Lake 


24 

John Adams 

E. Trenchard 

1 

Ontario 


24 

General Pike 



Ravan 


20 

Madison 



Asp, 


20 

Alert, late British 

W. Stewart 

3 

Pert 


18 

Hornet* 

J. Riddle 

4 

Fair America 


18 

W asp* 

J. Blakeley 

1 

Amelia 


•8 

Peacock 

L. W arrenton 

11 

Finch, lute British 


18 

Ontario 

J. D. Elliott 

11 

Chubb, do 


18 

Erie 

C. Ridgeley 

7 

Preble 


18 

Ixmisiana 


6 

Montgomery 


18 

Niagara 


5 

Camel 


18 

Detroit, late British 


6 

Buffalo 


18 

Lawrence 



Tickler 


18 

Eagle 


12 

President 


18 

Jefferson 


2 

Galley Centipede 


18 

Jones 


2 

Nettle 


18 

Epervier,* late B. 

J. T. Shubrick 

2 

Viper 


16 

Chippewa 

G. C. Read 

2 

Borer 


16 

Saranac 

J. Elton 

2 

Allen 


16 

Boxer 

J. Porter 

2 

Burrows 


16 

Linnet, late British 


1 

Alwyn 


16 

Troup 


1 

Ballard 


16 

Sylph 


1 

Ludlow 


16 

Q,u. Charlotte, /. B. 


1 

Wilmer 


14 

Euterprize 

L. Kearney 


Ketch Spitfire 


14 

Oneida 



Vesuvius 


12 

Fleambeau 

J. B. Nicholson 


Vengeance 


12 

Firefly 

G. VV. Rogers 

































p . 



s • 


INDEX. 


4 



Adams, cruise of 

243 

- escape of 

243 

- loss of 

248 

Allen, funeral of 

72 

Alligator 

245 

Asp, loss of 

226 

Argus and Pelicau 

69 

- escape of 

217 

Algiers, war with 

297 

Burrows, funeral of 

83 

Blythe do 

83 

Bainbridge, private letter of 

219 

Barney 

245 

Barrataira, pirates of 

262 

Champlain, Lake, victory of 

145 


261 

Caroline,loss of 

255 

Challenge to Decatur 

236 

-to Capt. Green 

37 

-to Capt Lawrence 

66 

Chesapeake and Shannon 

44 

Constitution and Guerriere 

9 

-and Java 

28 

-and Cyane and Levant 

174 

- escape of 

3 

-cruise of 

240 

Craney Island 

227 

Eagle 

228 

-capture of 

229 

Enterprise and Boxer 

77 

Erie, Lake 

259 

-battle of 

85 

Essex and Alert 

211 

-- loss of 

97 

Ferret, loss of 

238 

Flotilla, Delaware Bay 

232 

-Lake Borgne 

253 

-Com. Barney 

245 

Fort George, capture of 

267 

Frolic, loss of 

243 

Gun-boats, attack on 

224 

Gardner’s Island 

232 


Huron, Lake 

257 

Hamilton and Soourge 

269 

- and Confiance 

273 

Hall, dead) of 

240 

Hornet and Bonne Citoyenne 

37 

- and Peacock 

38 

-and Penguin 

186 

- escape of 

192 

Lawrence, funeral of 

48 

Lewes, commodore 

244 

Lottery, Schooner 

220 

Mobile 

251 

Nautilus, loss of 

9—210 

Navy in 1812 

315 

-in 1815 


Naval Register 

317 

Non-Such, schoonei 

245 

Ontario, Lake 

262 

Oswego, attack on 

274 

Peacock and Epervier 

128 

-cruise of 

257 

President and Belvidera 

201 

-loss of 

158 

Pitipague attack on, repulse at 

242 

Rattlesnake and Enterprise 

240 

- loss of 

246 

Rodgers’ cruise 

234—239 

Sackett’s harbor, attack on 

268 

Sandy Creek, capture of gun-boats 

275 

Swallow, capture of 

215 

Surveyor, revenue cutter 

293 

Syren, loss of 

250 

Testimonies of respect 

280 

Torpedo 

231 

United States and Macedonian 

23 

Viper, loss of 

227 

Vixen, do 

215 

Washington city 

246 

Wasp and Frolic 

16—214 

-and Reindeet 

134 

- and Avon 

140 

York, capture of 

265 


















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